Just a flicker

The Girl and the Author

"Is this seat taken?"

Sam stopped reading and looked up. The guy in front of her was sporting a questioning smile.

"No, you may sit here. Just let me..."

She began to shift her luggage around.

He watched a moment as she struggled with a heavy suitcase and helped to put it in the luggage space above their heads.

"I wasn't aware, the train would be so cramped", she said apologetically, as he slumped in the seat beside her. He shrugged.

"It is Saturday and it is the last train. This route is the main lifeline of the valley. What did you expect? Er... forgive me or being so forward, but may I ask what brings you to the valley. I have not seen you before and you have packed for either a very long vacation or you are on the move."

"No Problem, I start a new job on monday, so unfortunatly I have to move to the countryside, but on the upside my new home will be by the sea. I love the ocean.", she answered his question, adjusted her glasses slightly and looked at him.

The man tugged an astray strand of his auburn hair, he had otherwise neatly tided back into a ponytail, behind his ear.

"So it is either Pelican Town or East Scarp I assume?" he asked.

"Very acute, Watson!"

He laughed about her comment. Sam continued:

"I will answer that, but please tell me something about you. The whole questioning is going a bit onesided for me."

"Oh, I am prying again. One of my not so prestine characteristics."

"I don't mind, as long as you're telling me stuff, too. So, you live around Pelican Town?"

He smiled sheepishly.

"It is my humble home for almost two years now." His expression grew a little distant.

"So you seem to like it there?"

"Ah, yes. It was one of my best decisions to move there." A thought crossed his mind. "If you will work in Pelican Town, there are not many places that offer jobs. Please do not tell me you are going to work for Joja."

"I'd rather be unemployed than working for them!"

"Glad to hear. So, where will you move to and what will you do exactly?"

"Oh no, you go first!"

He looked at her dead serious and pulled a small well worn notebook out of his pocket.

"There is not much to tell about the lonely and uneventful life of an aspiring author."

Sam wasn't sure if it was the statement at that or the manner in which he had told her, but she had to laugh hard:

"Don't be mad, but are you serious right now or are you trying to mess with me?"

He looked shocked, almost hurt even, but before he got the chance to say anything Sam talked again:

"Author? That's one of the most exciting ways of life I can imagine. If you can pull it of, of course. Don't get me wrong. I know it's hard and frustrating, but it's also so rewarding. How can being an author be uneventful and boring? If you can pull it of you are able to create something to reach other people. To touch their hearts. To create something you can be proud of."

"I think your ideas of being a writer are a bit to fantastical. Most of the time I am sitting in my cabin all alone and write till the day is done, only to throw out everything in the end and to begin anew the next day. And I have deadlines. There is no time for leisure or to meet up with people. It is one of the reasons why I moved to Pelican Town. To deprive me of everything that will steal away my time and pull the attention away from my writing."

"Frustrating..., yes I said so. But self-imposed loneliness? I'm not a fan of that. I think it's a wrong-headed and completely unnecessary mindset."

"What is wrong about that? The lonely author is able to fully concentrate on his work and can bring all his feelings and hardships into his work without being superficial. How should I know how to write about that without experiencing it myself?"

Sam looked at him closely. He showed an honest interest in what she had to say it seemed, despite being hit by her words.

"I won't tell you to stop if this method works for you. After all it's only my opinion, but I think writers who go out to experience things, those who can make and collect memories are more successful and live a happier and healthier life in the long run.

Stories are a vessel to transport feelings, personal experiences, internal and external conflict and interpersonal relationships, so there is so much more, other than loneliness to write about. And if it comes to loneliness and it's really the thing you want to write about, it hits so much harder in contrast to the happy things in life. Almost everybody experiences loneliness at some point in their life. There are so many things one can only work through by oneself that anybody should be able to relate. There is no need to force that feeling onto yourself to cultivate it even further. Am I wrong with that?"

The man was thinking, looking down to the small notebook, shifting it from one hand to the other. A few moments of silence passed before he looked up again. He looked Sam right in the eye and smiled faintly, but said nothing.

It was only then that Sam noticed how exhausted he looked. The charming smile, the twinkle in his green eyes, as he first spoke and his questions about her journey had diverted her attention from the latent fatigue lingering beneath that smile. She hold his gaze.

"I hope I haven't overstepped my boundaries here. By no means I meant to hurt you. It's just... it's so much fun to discuss and debate viewpoints with other creatives. It's been a long time I was able to do that and I probably got carried away", she closed her previous statement and waited for a response.

His smile grew a bit wider as he brushed the hair out of his face again, but now she was aware of the worry and maybe some kind of sadness hidden behind it.

"Thank you", he said after a while. His voice more hushed and a bit softer than before. "I appreciate those honest words, although I have to admit they were quite painful. Between either those who butter me up or those who do not believe in me and belittle my dreams, an honest opinion, a constructive critique is a rare gem. I will take your words into consideration, but I will not promise anything."

"That's okay. I don't aspect anything of that sort from a travel acquaintance. A nice conversation, sometimes a bit deeper if the topic is of interest to all parties involved, is all I'm in for." Sam said.

His expression had reverted back to the genuine interest he'd shown, before her punching him in the gut verbally, as he continued the conversation:

"Okay, but now you have to tell me what your deal is. See it as compensation for the emotional stress you put me through right now. You will stay in Pelican Town?"

"Yes."

"Then tell me. Where will you work, if it is not for Joja. there are not many places left. Stardrop Saloon? Pierre's? Will you be the carpenters apprentice or will you become a farmhand for one of our local farmers or on Marnie's Ranch?"

Sam laughed: "Are you sure you're an author. The questioning rather says reporter. But I've to tell you neither guess is correct, although waitress could be an alternative if my future boss doesn't pay me well enough."

"If that is so, I would have to go more often to the...", his phone began to ring and cut his words short. "I have to take this call", he said after a short glance over the display, his mood changing visibly in the fraction of a moment and not for the better. "Please excuse me. I will be right back." And with this he got up and vanished to some less crowded area at the end of the wagon.

Sam noticed that he had dropped his notebook as he had tried to put it back in his pocket hastily while standing up. She picked it up before someone could step on it. As she looked if the man was coming back she noticed two young adults across the aisle snickering and whispering something, but didn't pay much attention to it. She pushed her glasses back up her nose and opened her book to the part she had been interrupted earlier, when a blonde girl moved across the aisle and sat down beside her.

"Hi, I'm Haley and if I'd heard correctly we will be neighbors soon. May I give you some advice for your stay in Pelican Town...?"
 

***
 

Elliott's day hadn't been the best to begin with. First his editor had torn his new draft to shreds. Then he had almost missed the train and now this worrying phone call from his brother. Sometimes this days he wondered how he was still able to carry on. His deadline was coming nearer and nearer almost crushing the last ounce of creativity left inside him. His ideas started to run dry. If he wasn't able to provide a good draft next time, the publisher would surely end his contract, which meant no income. On top of that his parents were closing in on him. Sometimes he caught himself thinking about how much easier it would be to go back to his old life.

No, he refused to give up.

Maybe that stranger's words were something to think about after all. Yes, he had told her, that her words had been hurting him, but he wasn't going to admit, that they were the most painful thing, he had heard in a long time.

He was sure she meant it as she had said, she hadn't any intention to hurt him. And there was an undeniable truth in her words. He knew he couldn't keep on living and working the way he was now. It had proven to be a dead end. Either way, that woman had piqued his interest. She seemed to know at least a bit about the creative process and wasn't afraid to share her opinions. Maybe she was someone he could talk to more often, after she had finished her move.

He was on his way back to his seat as he spotted the familiar blonde beside the woman.

"Oh, no." He whispered to himself. What was SHE doing there? He slowed down and tried to be as silent as he could as he walked into earshot.

"... and the most important thing: Be careful who you associate with. There are some strange people in town and Mr. 'many a conversation' here is definitely one of them. Want to know about some things he did? We saw him on the cemetery one day..."

Elliott turned and walked back before she reached the end of her story. He knew it was silly, but he hadn't the stomach right now to deal with her. Too much had happened already. This day got better and better... Fortunately the train ride was almost over. In a few minutes it would reach Pelican Town. If he'd leave the train early he could get one of the few taxis waiting, instead of taking the bus with the other townspeople.

As soon as the train stopped and open its doors he was out. To leave without saying at least goodbye left a bad taste in his mouth. Hell, he hadn't even asked her for her name, but he couldn't handle Haley on a bad day like today without snapping.

His ride came to an end. As he was about to pay for the taxi, he discovered that his day had taken a turn for the worst.

"No, no, no, no..." where was his notebook?

Magic Talk

Sam laid back in the bed, her hands behind her head, as she was thinking about the day. It wasn't that late, but she was pooped. Too much had happened on her way here and everything was new and exciting. Like her new temporary home. The room she had rented at the boardinghouse was small and cozy, but it was hers and she had made sure to get one with an adjacent bathroom. Her journey to the valley had been long, she had been on the road for almost the whole day. The last leg of the train ride had by far been the most interesting part.

She really could tell she was in the countryside right now. She hadn't even reached her destination and the gossip had already started. She didn't know what to made of it yet, but she felt sorry for the guy, if that's how the people here saw him. He just seems to be a normal, guy with an interesting way of life. Something similar had happen to her once, so she was cautious about things people were telling her about others.

Maybe she could find him and give him back what was his, when she started to explore the town tomorrow.

Sam reached for the notebook she had placed on her nightstand. It wasn't that old, but clearly showed signs of heavy usage and it had been expensive. The leathery cover had some superficial scratches and some of the gold plating on the rim of the pages had lost it's shine. A grassy stain here and there completed the picture.

Someone had written a dedication onto the very first page: "Follow your dreams you big dumbass and find your true happiness. I wish you the best of luck. I believe in you. Love Damian."

She flipped some pages. The next was blank. The rest looked like a diary. There had a date been written in the outer upper corner of every right page used. The handwriting was neat sometimes, sometimes hastily scribbled all over a page.

After reading trough a few days and then a few days more, she closed it again and put it back on the nightstand. His writing style seemed nice, but there weren't any clues to his person or whereabouts.

Sam turned of the lights. Envisioning her new life as an adventure she had to master, she slowly drifted to sleep.
 

***
 

"Somethings not quite right. I can't put a pin on it quite now, but I sense a... disturbance. It may effect the barrier. Should we talk with Lady Belinda about that?"

"Magnus, old friend. I think you worry to much. Fluctuations within the magical field are not uncommon. At least in such bustling environment as the valley. It will pass."

Magnus Rasmodius was not convinced. He had learnt to listen to his gut feeling when it came to magic a long time ago.

"Aquatros, could you at least ask Lady Belinda, if she could talk to the mountain spirit for me? My gut tells me to keep watch on the situation."

The balding man twiddled with his blue beard as he thought about it. He put the wineglass he was sipping from away and pulled something out of his lab coat, that looked like a perfectly round, highly polished bluish stone.

"Okay, the evening is young enough so I think I won't wake her up."

With a small whispered spell he brought the sphere in the air right in front if him. It began to glow and after a few moments he began to speak:

"Lady Belinda, may I have a few minutes of your time?"

A few seconds of silence passed, before a deep, rich woman's voice spoke up:

"Aquar my friend. What can I help you with. And I've told you many times now, you don't have to be so formal. Belinda is fine."

"Rasmodius wants me to ask you to contact the mountain spirit for him. He's worried about something disturbing the magic and that it could affect the barriers."

"Oh, Rasmodius is with you. With haircolor does he sport today? Is he still wearing his hat insides?"

"Lady Belinda, please." Aquatros said.

"Just teasing... okay, let me see what I can do. It may take a bit. We need to prepare the ritual. I'll come back to you as soon as we're ready. Do you want to be there in person or should I just go on and do it without you?

In the later case I will need to know what you want to ask her specifically."

"Her?" Rasmodius asked.

"Oh, you didn't know? I thought you would have met her someday in the past. Anyway I have to go now. I call you later if that's okay."

"It's fine by me." Radmodius answered. "And I would like to meet the mountain spirit. So tell me in advance and I'll be there. Aquatros, how about you?"

"I'd like to come too, but I'm afraid I've to pass. I'll be out of town for the next weeks. Don't you remember?" The last words were addressed to Rasmodius.

"Oh, I forgot. Maybe I'm getting old."

"You are old my friend." Aquatros answered. Belinda shuckled.

"And you told me not to tease..."

"We thought you had to go." Aquatros and Rasmodius said in unison. All three laughed. Belinda excused herself one last time and ended the call. The stone went dull as the spell ended. Aquatros caught it before it could drop down to the ground and put it back in his pocket.

Rasmodius filled there glasses again.

"So, what's next?"

"The East Scarp situation is becoming kind of a pressing matter. We'll need a solution for that soon." Rasmodius scratched his beard and sighed.

"The Lightkeeper is still doing their work but we can't purely rely on them. I think it will be to much if we don't provide any help in the near future."

"What about Camilla." Aquatros asked. "You always talk so highly about her."

"She's a great witch with a lot of potential. But I'm afraid she has a lot on her plate already with keeping Castle Village safe. I don't know if she will be able to cover another responsibility. I hardly see her these days." He finished and sipped on his drink. The situation wasn't easy. Maybe it could be different if... No, he shouldn't think about that. He couldn't just walk up and talk to her. Not after so many years.

"What about the farmer. Do you have news about them." Aquatros interrupted his train of thoughts.

"... about them? I'm afraid there's nothing to tell you. They just didn't seem to be interested."

"In the valley in general?"

"I wouldn't say that per se. But it seems they definitely haven't any interest in the magic surging through his place." Rasmodius sighed.

"What a pity. Could that be the missing part?"

Both pondered a bit about that question. The disinterested of the farmer in the magic of the valley had definitely angered Rasmodius. After all their grandparents had down so many good things for the valley and he'd hoped, that the farmer would be an heir to their legacy. Over a year they had been a part of the community now, but not much had happened since their arrival. They barely took part in communal activities either.

"It's a shame they make themselves so rare, but it is what it is and the valley has been alright and it's magic has been stable all the time without them here. So maybe you're right and it is just a flicker in the magic and will pass in a blink." he said.

"I hope so my friend. I sure hope so." Aquatros answered.

Exploring Pelican Town

Sam looked around her new hometown, if you could refer to Pelican Town that way. It looked more like a rustic small village to her. The roads were paved with cobblestone and barely straight. A few houses where sitting on the verges of these roads leading to the town center. She moved down the road towards a big building hosting the towns doctors office and a small general store called Pierre's. In front of the building a now weathered bulletin board had been installed, sporting requests for help from the town's citizens and a calender of events. Sam was about to walk into Pierre's as she bumped into a girl prying the door wide open and running out of there. A sword cluttered to the ground.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"Abigail! Come back this instance."

"Oh shit, my dad. I have to go, bye."

She quickly picked up the weapon and vanished around a corner. As soon as she had come, she was gone. A middle aged man with glasses stepped out of the door and looked left and right. When he noticed Sam still on the ground, rubbing her forehead, he extended a hand to help her up:

"I think I know the answer, but have you seen a violet haired girl with a sword, who just ran out of here?"

Sam nodded.

"Thought so. Name's Pierre and that whirlwind was my daughter Abigail. I'll make sure she'll apologize as soon, as she's back."

"Oh, it's no problem. She already did... kind of."

"No, that's no behavior for a young lady. She has to learn to be a proper adult and not some dream driven child." he sighed.

Sam didn't know what was going on and decided, she didn't want to know right now. So she tried to change the subject:

"Erm... hi I'm Samantha, Sam for short and I'm new here. I'd hoped you might help me with some things right now."

"Excuse me, where are my manners... Welcome to Pelican Town then. How can I help?"

"First of all, would you point me in the direction of the library?"

"Library? You mean the museum? It's kind of merged, but goes by Museum of Pelican Town"

"Then yes. The museum. Gunther Richardson's the curator? Then that would be right."

"Never known his last name, but Gunther is right. You follow the road down here and walk over the bridge. Turn right right after crossing the river and look for the large two story building on the left. Is there anything else you need help with?"

"Actually yes. Two things. First of all I need some supplies. I think you can help with this." She smiled.

Pierre smiled back. A potential customer was always a reason to be happy.

"And the third thing?" he asked

"I'm looking for a man. As tall as me, long auburn hair, green eyes. Do you know someone like this by any chance?"

Pierre ran one hand through his light brown a little peppered hair and looked at Sam curiously.

"That would be Elliott. He's kind of weird, so why are you looking for him?"

"I met him on the train yesterday. He accidentally left something there and I'd like to return it to him... What do you mean by weird?"

"You'll see, just don't talk to him too much. If you like, I can give it to him the next time he's shopping for groceries."

Sam frowned.

“No need for that. I want to take a look around the valley anyway. Eventually, I'll see him.” she replied.

Pierre slightly raised an eyebrow, but if he had any objections, he didn't say so. So Sam ignored the slightly adversarial mannerism he suddenly displayed, but didn't ask any further. She hadn't missed the fact, he hadn't told her where she must go.

"Fair enough." he said after a pause and continued with another topic: "So do you like to come in and do some shopping?"
 

***
 

As Sam was stuffing her purchase into her backpack, the bell rang and the door to the general store opened. Pierre greeted the man who had just entered and called him Lewis. Sam turned around. The man looked older than Pierre. Sam estimated him somewhere around seventy years old. He was sporting a big wavy moustache and a flat cap. His face was wrinkly, mostly around his eyes.

"Ah, a new face." he said. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Lewis. I'm the mayor of Pelican Town for over 20 years now and still running. What brings you to our humble village?"

"I'm Samantha, I'll work at the museum from tomorrow on out. Nice to meet you." Sam replied.

"Ah, so you must be Ms. Vaughn, the new assistant Gunther asked for. I've approved of that position."

"Yes, that would be me. I'm looking forward to the job and the opportunities it brings with it."

"How comes someone so hot likes to work with dusty, old books and stuff?" a voice came from between the aisles.

"Sterling, shut up!" Pierre bellowed over the counter in the general direction the voice came from.

"Just stating the truth."

Pierre rolled his eyes.

"Sorry for that. First my daughter, now him... The youth these days..."

Lewis agreed.

Sam snickered. She was flustered by the remark, no doubt but she decided to take it with humor. And to see those middle aged and old men refer to people barely younger than her as youth was quite funny, especially since they spoke to her in a more formal way.

We'll see, as soon as I dye my hair again... she thought. She had decided to stay with her natural color for now, testing the water first and she wasn't looking forward to the dyeing itself. It would take her almost a whole day.

"Please, excuse me. I've got to bring my groceries back home and be on my way right after. There's so much more of Pelican Town and it's surroundings I haven't seen yet."

"I can show you around if you'd like." Lewis replied. "I've to make my round either way."

Sam wasn't so keen about walking around town with the mayor, but she was new and she didn't want to antagonize one of the persons who literally could decide about her future.

"Sure. I'm staying at the boarding house for now. So let me bring back my things quickly and I will be right back."

"We can start our tour from there. I need to visit Joel anyway."
 

***
 

The day had been exhausting. The old mayor was in much better shape than Sam had expected and to see all of Pelican Town was quite a hike. From the Boarding house they had made their way up into the mountains and visit Robin's carpentry, since it was the nearest destination. Sam remembered the large house nestled in the mountainside from the day before since the train station was just a few hundred meters away.

From there they made their way downhill. The most interesting part of the remaining tour had been the old, abandoned and run down community center. Sam was intrigued by the thought how much she could learn about the valley and it's inhabitants just alone by investigating the building and listening to the stories the older people in town could tell her about it. Mayor Lewis didn't seem to keen about letting anyone sniff around there, though.

The old building clearly was a thorn in his side. So she had to get on his good side to coerce him to let her enter. The alternative was committing a break and entering... Nah, probably not a good idea.

As they had past the community center and made their way back to the town square again they'd continued their path to the southwest next. He showed her a ranch, a small farm and a vineyard sitting on the edge of a wild forest, while clearly stirring away from the crooked tower looming over a part of denser vegetation. On their way back they brushed a well worn footpath to the beach and entered back into the town near a small and weathered graveyard. Lewis had left her, as soon as they had made it back to his house, but had pointed her in the right direction toward the museum. And that's were Sam was right now. Standing in front of the door she hesitated. What if's wandering through her head.

After a bit of pondering she entered. Tomorrow she had to be here either way, so there was nothing that spoke against introducing herself today.

The door opened into a large room with a counter directly opposite to the door and a great opening to her right. Sam looked around the room. Directly to the right was a large open space with a few small tables and simple cushions around them on the floor. Near the counter, on the far side of the open space, there were shelves after shelves filled with books. Next to her on the nearer side of the open space were tables and chairs for research and working with the books. A closed door across the room to the right labeled exhibition let to the museum part of the museum. The air smelled a little bit dusty and of old paper. Sam immediately felt at home.

Behind the counter there was a man sitting dressed all in blue and wearing a hat indoors. He twirled his goatee around a finger while reading something. He looked up for a brief moment while Sam closed the door behind her.

"Welcome to the Stardew Valley Museum.", he said.

Sam walked over to the counter.

“Hi, I'm Samantha Vaughn. I will work here from tomorrow on. May I speak to the curator?”

“That would be me.”, the man answered. “Gunther, nice to meet you.”
 

***
 

Elliott stayed in bed the whole morning. He had slept miserably and wasn't in the mood to get up. The book - his most valuable collection of scrapes, inspirations and of fractions of chapters - was gone. He had tried to reach out to the rail company as soon as he found out about it missing. Nobody was answering the phone that late in the evening. He had tried again right after waking up. This time he got someone on the phone and was told, the cleaning crew had been on the train as soon as it had reached it's final destination. They had brought everything passangers had left to the lost and found inside of Grampleton Station. He had tried there. His notebook hadn't been among those things, so the chances to ever getting it back were slim to none.

Someone must have taken it or worse thrown it in the garbage. Could it has been Haley? That would probably be the worst of all. He began to imagine what she could do with it. What she could do to him. And all out of spite for a broken smartphone. He rolled around till he was facing the ceiling, sticking his hands behind his head.

Or the new girl, he mused. That would be slightly better, at least she had shown some interest in his writing, but he didn't know her. He didn't even know her name much less her whereabouts. Surely he could go out and ask for her, but there were two problems with that. First of all he had to go out and he'd already decided to keep to himself today and second even if he'd change his mind and tried to find her it surely would add to his reputation. He could almost hear them whispering. Now the weird author guy was running around, stalking a stranger he just met...

"Woe is me", he uttered theatrically, pressing the back of one hand against his forehead. Then he laughed bitterly. He was pathetic. Really pathetic. His editor was right, the new girl was right, even his parents had been right.

He might as well should give up on his dream and come back to reality. Do something useful with his life. Do what his family wants from him...

That thought lingered.

"No, I must not give up", he proclaimed aloud for himself. "I must not let them win." He yawned. The realization, that he was to proud to sink deeper into self pity, to proud to do what the nay-sayers want from him made him feel slightly better. He rolled to his side and yawned again.

"Sweet, sweet stubbornness. Maybe not everything dad gave me is so bad..." he closed his eyes and drifted into a light sleep.

Later that day he had made a decision. He was sitting at his desk and staring down on an empty sheet of paper and a headache began to form. He put away the fountain pen he had held unused in his hand so far and stood up. His cabin contained a small living and sleeping area with kitchen counter and an adjacent bathroom. A few short steps brought him from the desk to the old up-right piano right in the middle of on of the long walls, that had come with the place. He began to play a few notes. A bit recreational time would do him some good.

The lost of his notebook hit him hard. Not only for his notes. Most of them where fleeing thoughts, caught with a few swift scribbles within a page or two at most. It was a pity to lose them. Some of the ideas were quite interesting, but the book itself had been a gift and it was important to him. On the other hand it might be a sign, he thought. A sign to start a new chapter in his endeavor.

His mind began to wander as he was playing a soft, flowing tune. The music helped him to free his thoughts.

Soon he was enwrapped in his playing. Maybe he really needed to change his approach. Now was the time.

Tomorrow would be a new day. To dwell in his lost anymore than necessary was foolish. He would go out and search for inspiration. There had been a time he almost had called the valley home. It was before the rural community had shunned him an outsider and oddball. Now he had almost forgotten the feeling of being a part of the community. Willy was on an elongated fishing trip so he hadn't anybody to talk while he was at the pier and Leah was visiting her family and wasn't expected to be back until the end of next week. It would have been nice to wander around cinder sap with her, but he couldn't just wish her back, so he had to go alone.

He stopped playing. The faint sound of waves rolling onto the shore was barely hearable, but it had a soothing effect on him. He loved it. It was one of the reasons why he had moved to this specific place.

Elliott walked over to a drawer next to the door leading outside. He shuffled trough the content of the top drawer until he found an unused notebook he kept there and a ballpoint pen that was still functioning. He put both in a small messenger bag dangling from a knob on the door.

"I might need it tomorrow." he said to the room in general. Then he walked back to the piano and resumed playing.

The first day of work

After a good nights sleep Sam was ready for her first day of work. She had been exhausted, so she had decided against visiting the saloon, the day prior. Today she'd meet Prof. Thomas and she'd get her work schedule. The position was part time for 20 hours, so she'd work four times a week for five hours. Gunther and the Professor would split that time according to their needs. For now Gunther had planned for her to sort through the archive and made a list of all the books missing.

As she bustled around the archive and the main room of the museum she saw the reason for the small tables and cushions on the floor. A lot of children entered the library section of the museum and took seat there. Two young women, one with orange-red hair, rolled up in a bun and a warm yellow shirt and one with long, open-cherry red hair followed and started some sort of class for the youngsters. Some of the children were curious about the new face and asked inquisitive questions before the women could stop them.

Sam drew back to the backroom the archive was located in to not disturb the class any further. The children seem to disappointed as she excused herself. They probably rather kept asking questions than start studying.

Some of the books in the archive were quite old and rare. She definitely could use some of them for her thesis. Gunther had already agreed to let her read through the old volumes, as long as she didn't use her work hours for that.

Sam compared the written inventory to the books actually standing in front of her. It was tedious work that swallowed a lot of her work hours, but it was easy enough to give her some time to think. On her next free day she wanted to visit the abandoned mines. The mayor was reluctant to tell her about them at all, so she was quite curious. She had read about some mining accident and was aware one of its survivors was still living in town. Maybe he'd talk about it and all its consequences if she asked nicely. The towns people she had met so far had been nothing but friendly to her, even when it was on expense of other residents. She wasn't sure what to make of it, but she wouldn't judge until knowing the whole story.

While searching through her list another book caught her eye. "The effects of the ongoing war to our economy." the title was long out of print and not available in the library of the university. Sam had made good progress with her work so far, so she decided to look through the book. There was a chapter about the rural communities of Ferngill. Stardew Valley was mentioned a few times. "Aurora Vineyard... Interesting...", she muttered to herself. The author even interviewed the owners and used this inside for his work. She put the book down on her stash for research and got back to work.

After approximately two hours Gunther checked on her and informed her, that Prof. Thomas was now available and eager to get to know her. He wasn't quite what she expected. He looked young for a esteemed professor and researcher. His curly brown hair fell just beneath his shoulder blades and with the round rimmed glasses and his 5 o'clock shadow he looked quite unruly. Sam introduced herself to him.

"Well, hello. I'm Prof. Thomas, but you may call me Jasper as I'm not in a teaching position right now and I like it better to talk less formal." he answered and continued directly with:

"Let us begin with a small interview. Would you answer me some questions?"

Sam nodded. They walked over to a free table and sat down. He made sure to be out of earshot from the children and their teachers, before he began to talk again, but quieter now:

"Are you familiar with my body of work?"

"Yes, although I have to admit, that my expertise in geology is none."

"Ah, a shame, but we will work on this. Today I want to know a few other things, though. What's your opinion on the arcane in general and especially on magical creatures?"

Here we go, Sam thought. She had heard about the reason Prof. Thomas wasn't teaching anymore, and it seemed, he straight got to the point. She didn't want to jeopardize her job, though, so she decided to go with his shenanigans. As for the questions, she state her truth:

"There are things we can't explain with science and things that seem truly magical to me. So I don't know. Maybe...

When it comes to magical creatures, I haven't seen any so far. At least I know I ain't one. And if magic exists I surely am as magical as a loaf of white bread." she grinned a little bit when saying the last words.

"Oh, one never knows until one tries", was Jasper's reply. "Many people possess hidden talents. Some never to be found. To help me with my research, you don't need to be magical adapted. I think curiosity and a fair bit of critical thinking will do. Gunther informed me, you're writing an essay about Stardew Valley and that's the main reason you are here. What's the topic of your work?"

"I'll write about the impact the dwindling economy had on the valley in recent history. There are a lot of things here.

I like to investigate. Talk to people, visit sites."

"So, you're of the inquisitive type. That's good. The valley definitely has a lot to offer to curious people and I think we will get along fine. I let you finish your work for today then. Please be there on Thursday 8 o'clock sharp. We'll start with some basic training. I'm looking forward to work with you and do me one favor. Keep asking questions. Most adults stop doing that eventually while growing older." He dismissed Sam, who worked through the rest of her shift before sitting down and looking through her research pile.

She had plans for the next days. Tomorrow it would rain the whole day so she would stay at the museum as long as possible. On Wednesday the mines, the day after, Cindersap...

***

Elliott was distraught. Why Haley again? The blonde was taking photos in one of his favorite spots and since he had to pass there, she clearly would see him. He couldn't take the risk to be in one of her pictures. He was lucky as it was, that he'd taken the southern route near Fairhaven Farm, so he had noticed her before she'd seen him. What a great start to the day. For a moment he just thought about turning back and going home, but he wanted to bring his new felt determination to fruition, so he considered his options. The library was always worth a try and he hadn't been there for while now.

North to East Scarp was a nice patch of greenery, but the strange goats with their black fur and the red eyes there set him off everytime he saw them. Alternatively there was a nice secluded patch by the lakeside in the mountains with trees and shrubs surrounding it. Today he wasn't in the mood to walk all that far anymore and for tomorrow the weather forecast said it would rain all day. “Well, Wednesday, then... And today? I will just stay at the beach.”
 

Of to the mines... or not?

"Lunch pack, check. Torch, check. Notepad and pen, check." Sam was satisfied. The shouldered her knapsack and marched out the door. She greeted Joel, who was sitting by the reception desk.

The best way to the mines would take her almost up to the station and then east. She had walked the track with Lewis already so she knew were to go. The weather of the early spring day was perfect. The sun just melted the morning chill away and it promised to be moderately warm.

From the boardinghouse she headed to the bus station a bit south of the premise. The old, broken down bus was a remnant of better times. The recession had hit the valley hard, Sam thought. Once again she was musing how to coax Lewis to let her in the community center and if it was only once.

Her steps took her down the road to Calico Dessert. Just before she reached the tunnel she turned right and began to climb a flight of wide, steep steps someone had carved into the slope. The path took her underneath the massive support beams of the cable car and along the mountainside. Large evergreen trees narrowed the path. She walked past the carpenters house. The vegetation grew denser as she neared the mountain lake.

Sam began to stray from the path. The scattered standing trees gradually became a light forest. Fallen leaves from last autumn rustled beneath her feet. Occasionally twigs snapped under her weight. She was in high spirits. It definitely had been the right decision to move here. As she made her way through the undergrowth she started to hum. Little did she know, there were pairs of eyes watching her.

Eventually Sam noticed that someone or something was tuning into her little melody. She stopped and searched the trees with her eyes. Clear, little chirps sounded around her. There must be a bird somewhere, but she couldn't find any, so she continued her way. With half an ear she listened to the chirping around her, as she varied her melody. The chirping adapted and created harmonies. She tried to close in on a particular loud one slowly. Various of the small voices went silent, but the loud one seemed to be oblivious.

Sam was almost sneaking by that point. She noticed something on a branch in front of her. She never had seen anything like that in her life. It looked like an apple ...with tiny legs and arms? And it was... singing? It had closed its small eyes and seemed to be lost in the melody. She hold her breath and tried to listen. This small creature had a beautiful voice. As she shifted her weight unconsciously a twig beneath her feet snapped.

Everything went silent. The creature had stopped its singing and looked at Sam in surprise showing its little black beady eyes.

"Hey little one.”

Without a warning it jumped down the tree and ran away.

"Wait, I won't harm you. I just want to listen. Your singing is wonderful." without thinking Sam started chasing after it. The creature broke the wood and ran. Over a downtrodden path into the next patch of trees and greenery. Sam was right behind. She didn't want to lose sight and followed between the shrubs without looking where she was going.

"Please wait!", running and shouting wasn't any good for convincing it, she was harmless to be honest, but her thinking failed her in that particular moment. Her feet carried her forward and with a bit of momentum she reached an embankment. Behind it water...

She tried to stop, but the ground beneath her feet was soaked, soft and slippery. It gave way under her as she lost her footing. In panic she reached out to grab something. She got hold of a dead branch. It snapped under her wait, as she pivoted in an attempted to stop.

***

Lady Belinda waited in the middle of the circle. Eyes closed she concentrated on the faint voices in the wind. Her disciples arranged the items for the ritual around her. Sometimes she would wander to one and shift it a little, her eyes still closed.

Rasmodius was intrigued. To witness a ritual done by a high priestess was a rare treat. She revered to herself as seer and so did her disciples, though. He had wondered about her being inside the summoning circle, but he was told she had decided to act as a conduit. This way they needn't use nearly as much arcane energy than otherwise and the spirit would be able to stay a bit longer.

He watched her finish the preparation. It was almost time. He had suggested to use the brief period between day and night, when the light was not quite gone, as it was the most magical time of the day and the best moment to make contact, but Belinda had advised against that, as they had not enough fighters at hand, to protect the ritual. The Ridge was a dangerous place after nightfall.

Her disciples, an earnest young man, with the hint of a secret, who kept most of his face hidden behind scarf and hood, an outgoing and flirty lady and a young girl with red-golden hair took positions in the north, east and west of the circle. Rasmodius himself was the south. The unseen lines between them formed a cross dividing the circle in perfect quarters. Belinda settled right in the middle. She sank onto her knees, her hands in her lap and started to recite an incantation, reminding Rasmodius of an old poem. Mist started to squirm inside the circle. The wind outside picked up, but left the inside of the circle untouched.

An eerie light crept into the mist illuminating Belindas face. She murmured, repeated the poem over and over.

The wind howled louder and louder. The mist swallowed her features as it rose and swept above her. The old wizard looked around to see the other three fell in with the chanting. He waited till it was his time to take part to recite the words. Every step was meticulously planed and had to be perfectly timed to work. Belinda was lifted and rose to her full size. Warped in light and mist it looked like she was hovering a few centimeters of the ground. In an unsuspected motion her head jerked back, Her eyelids began to flutter, the eyes rolled back, so that only the white showed, her mouth formed unhearable words.

Suddenly the world fell silent.

Wailing emerged from Belinda's throat. In a broken, deep voice she began to speak:

"...magic... Time's... Help...magic... Close... cracks... Help...farmer...intervene..." the voice cracked and faded.

Belinda suddenly shuck. She was thrown back to the edge of the circle, slammed into an invisible barrier holding her inside.

The sky turned gray. Thunder rolled over their heads. The entity possessing her left with a scream and Belinda slumped to the ground unconscious. Rain started to pour...

In affect Rasmodius tried to get to her, but was stopped by the girl with the red-golden hair Belinda had introduced to him as Bliss raised her voice:

"DON'T! The Lady's still in the spirit world. If you sever the connection now she'll be lost. We have to protect her body. The ankerpoints of the circle have to stay intact at all costs. Be aware. They are coming..."

***

„Fuck, fuck, fuck, Fuck!“ With a loud splash Sam landed in the water, which wasn't that steep on that side of the mountain lake, but it was enough to soak her head to toe.

The creature had made it over the water and seemed to laugh at her, before it vanished into thin air. Sam hit the water in frustration. “Damn!”

She hadn't gotten up again, as someone started to laugh right above her:

“This fae has a very colorful language, but to witness this beautiful pirouette almost made up for that.”, she heard a familiar voice. Without even thinking she grabbed a handful of mud and threw it at Elliott who had appeared on the brink of the slope.

“I have certainly earned this.” he said, still laughing, after he dodged the dirt-missile.

“My lady.” He extended his hand to help Sam up. Thankfully she accepted to get out of the cold, muddy water.

“Thank you, you just appeared at the right time, it seems.” she said.

“I was here all the time. Admiring the beauty and tranquility of early spring. The question is, what are you doing here?” he asked.

“Swimming practice.” she answered.

“Oh, really? Fully clothed?”

“It's just early spring. The water's still cold.”

They couldn't help it, but both started to laugh about the their stupid banter.

“Okay, now, what were you really doing?” Elliott inquired after that. “I was about to enjoy the peace and quite of the lakeside to spark my creative juices and suddenly you break out of the thicket shouting” he added and showed her a somewhat hidden place between some trees and lesser foliage where he had placed a picnic blanket.

“Haven't you seen the apple thingy?”

“The what?”

“A small green, apple-like creature. It was just here.”

Elliott looked at her puzzled. “No, I can not say, I have. And that's why you are here?”

“Actually, I was on my way to the mines. It's my day off and I want to take a look around the valley. That's when I saw the creature.”

“The story about the walking apple seems a bit peculiar, but the rest sounds neat. Getting to know your way around here is a smart idea. To go to the mines on the other hand, is rather not.”

“Well, not to be rude, but I need to get somewhere warm. Preferably home, to get out of my wet clothes.” Sam could feel the cold creeping up her spine. She tried to rub away some goosebumps that had formed on her forearms, ignoring the remark about the mines.

Without saying another word Elliott passed over his jacket.

“I can't, I'll ruin it.” Sam responded.

“I insist, you are freezing.”

Sam thought about it. Suddenly the wind picked up and send a new shiver through her body.

“Okay, but... just give me one sec.” She pulled her wet sweater and t-shirt over her head and dropped it to the ground, before putting on the jacket. As she was done, she could see, that Elliott had turned away and looked in a different direction. Sam wasn't sure, but she thought she could see a little blush around his nose. She couldn't help herself:

“Ah, the beautiful architecture...” she commented.

“What?”, Elliott looked puzzled.

“Nothing, it's just a silly insider... Anyway”, she thought about something, “Would you like to accompany me home for a cup of tea?” she asked. “I've something I'd like to give back to you.”

Elliott's heart took a leap: “Do not say you have what is most precious to me? Have you found my notebook?”

“Yeah, you lost it on the train. It was sitting on the floor right after you left for the phone call. I pocketed it so nobody would step on it. I would have given it back to you right after, but you didn't came back.”

“You are brilliant. You saved me. I was sure I had lost it for good.” without losing a thought he stepped in and hugged her.

“Hey, stop! What are you doing?”

He released her that instant:

“Oh,... I am sorry”, he was blushing again. Now his face was almost matching his hair color. “I was not thinking. I am... I am just so happy. You can not know what this book means to me.”

“No harm done. Normally I wouldn't even mind, but I don't know you yet and on top of that, I'm still wet and all I'm wearing is cold and clingy.” she shuck water out of one leg of her trousers. “Hm, officially I don't even know your name”, she said. “So how about an introduction? I'm Samantha, Sam for short and I moved to the valley just last Saturday.”

“I am Elliott and I have been here for the last two years. Nice to met you, Sam. But indulge me. What did you mean by officially you do not know my name?”

“I ran into the Mayor and Pierre on Sunday and since I was looking to give you the notebook back, I asked and they told me.”

“Makes sense.” He wondered what the men could have told her.

Rumbling from above let both look up. The sky was darkening quickly.

“That's strange. They didn't forecast any rain for today...,” she pondered. “Let us quickly pick up your things and move. I'm living at the boarding house. It's not far from here, if we walk along the mountain path beneath the cable car.

Elliott nodded. They quickly collected his things and wrapped the picnic blanket around the soaked Sam, too and then made their way down to the boarding house. The sky was getting even darker and soon the first raindrops would fall. By the time they reached their destination Elliott was drenched, too, so he gladly decided to stay for a warm shower and the beforehand offered hot tea.
 

Small Talk

“Ehm,... are you doing this on purpose?” Elliott asked, firmly looking into his teacup, as Sam pulled a shirt out of the trunk and put it on. She looked at him puzzled.

“I mean, are you not embarrassed to be topless around a stranger? I know a lot of women, who are very shy while dressing and you on the other hand act as if I am not even here.”

“Oh,...”, Sam shrugged, “Sorry, if I put you in an awkward situation. It's just I'm not thirteen anymore and I have brothers. Besides, being in a bra is not topless and if I'm so stupid as to not take my shirt with me, it couldn't be helped anyway.” She helped herself to a cup of tea and slumped on the only chair, her room provided, facing her guest.

“Are you not even a bit afraid or cautious, that I could do something to you? You said it yourself. I am a stranger to you, therefore I could be dangerous.”

Sam looked at him.

He was sitting on her bed, snuggled in a blanket, sipping on his tea. Sam had given him an old tracksuit, she had snatched from her father, while his wet clothes were draped around the radiator for drying. With the cup clutched in his hands, a towel wrapped around his hair and the slight pink tint around his nose, he looked rather cute than dangerous.

“I'm new in town. How should I get to know people, if I'm too scared to talk to them?” She locked eyes with him:

“And even with the long hair and the slight flamboyant mannerism...”

“Hey, I have really dialed it back since I live here!” he interrupted grinning. “but go on.”

“Even with those, I don't think you're a vampire.”

He brought one hand up to his chest and sported a theatrically expression:

“Darling, I am offended by this. I am a noble werewolf.” He stated as dry as he possibly could, while trying to keep the corners of his mouth down.

“Okay, Mr. Werewolf”, Sam snickered, “it's not a full moon night out there, so there's no need to eat me, but if my life would be a horror movie, there would have been ample opportunity to make terrible things happen to me, already. We have been in the woods, alone... That would have been a perfect moment.”

“You are mistaken. It is neither night, none of us was naked, nor had we have sex. These are basic requirements.”

“If that's what makes the screenwriter happy, we could make up for that next time.“

The moment the words left her mouth, Sam realized what she just said. Oh, shit... She clutched a hand in front of her mouth, eyes wide open.

Thinking first, then talking! Thinking first! She repeated mantra-like in her head.

Elliott's jaw dropped while Sam worked on a way to sink into the ground. For a few moments only the hard rain pattering on the window was audible.

“I...I...”, Sam was mumbling, her face now red like a tomato and burning hot. “Sorry, I got carried away.” She stared very hard into her teacup, not to accidentally lock eyes with him.

The silence carried on. The moment was almost unbearable for Sam as she was contemplating, if she could salvage the situation somehow.

Suddenly Elliott bellowed with laughter:

“I am flattered, but if that is an offer, I have to decline. At the moment I am neither looking for a fling, nor a relationship. Besides...” his expression grew serious. “... I do not think I am a good catch. At least not now. My life is to unstable.” He thought about the phone call a few days back.

“I really must finish my book.”

Sam was relieved. He could have really taken that worse.

“Now you know one of my flaws. Sometimes my mouth runs without checking with my head first. And I'm neither interested in a relationship nor something similar. I've plan to stay here to write my thesis and after that, I don't even know where my live takes me, but that reminds me, we almost forgot your notebook.” Sam got up and shuffled over to her nightstand, glad to change the subject. From the drawer she produced the small book with the worn gilded pages and handed it over.

"Here. You must have it a long time. It's well worn, as far, as I can see. I'm glad I didn't take is with me today. It would be ruined otherwise."

"It was a gift from someone who means a lot to me. He gave it to me, when I left home to become an author. So I am glad to have it back. Not only for the scribbling inside", he sighed in relief.

"You have some pretty good lines in there."

"Oh,..." his voice sounded slightly less warm in an instant. "You read my stuff?"

"In hope to find some clues about your whereabouts, I flipped through the first few pages. When I didn't find anything I tried to stop reading, but I was drawn in. I'm sorry if I've overstepped my boundaries here."

"Thanks again for bringing me the book back, but yes, you have overstepped. I do not appreciate it, if someone is looking through my stuff - especially my writing - without my permission. I know you meant well and your reasoning was sound. So just keep it in mind for the future." There was a hint of grieve and hurt in his voice. Barely audible and easy to miss.

"Point taken, won't happen again." Sam responded, while watching him closely.

"Without arguing or defending your behavior?" Elliott was somehow baffled by the simple acknowledgment.

"I made a mistake... And I think I hurt you with that more than I can fathom. So, I must own up to it." she answered, now herself a bit puzzled why he would ask her such a question.

Elliott relaxed a bit. The bitterness that had crept through his face left almost as quickly as it had come. "That is a relief to hear... You said you liked my writing?" his curiosity for Sam's opinion had won over, so his tone changed almost immediately, as he asked her about his work.

"Yes, your style is pleasant to read. It flows easy and naturally. The way you describe your settings really let me see those places before my inner eye and the snippets of dialog, that I've seen, are witty or really emotional. So I'd really like to read your finished book, when you are done." she answered.

"Tell all these things to my editor. She has a different opinion." he said.

"Well, she's a professional and I've seen only snippets. If you'd like, I would read your draft. Maybe your editor is just a big oaf, but I have to see more of your work to form a sound opinion."

"Ah, it is a ruse to continue reading my stuff." he laughed.

"But a clever one if I end up with your permission." Sam answered smiling cocky.

"Nah", Elliott hold out one hand flat, palm down and tilted it slowly from side to side, "I would not say clever. Quite see-through I would rather say."

Sam laughed. “Okay, you caught me. I would really, really like to read some more. So why not helping you at the same time. I will give you my honest thoughts and opinions.”

“I will think about it.” Elliott responded. “But in the meanwhile: What do you enjoy to read? Mystery, science fiction or romance even?”

“Oh, I'm a sucker for a nice piece of humorous fantasy, preferably with a good amount of social and economical criticism weaved masterfully into an intriguing story with love- and hate-able characters, to get you start thinking. Ironic and sarcastic, but warmhearted at the center...”

“Let me stop you right there. I get the feeling, you have a very specific book or book series in mind.”

“Yeah, and I still postpone to read the last book.” she lowered her voice and looked away while saying the last part.

“Why, though?”

“My favorite author died a few years back and if I read the last book, than it's over. I can't bring myself to do it.”

“Then it is time for you to find a new favorite author.” Elliott grinned, his eyes glittering cheekily. “But you will not find me writing anything related to comedy soon.” He added. “It is the highest form of literature if pulled of the right way and I know my limits in this capacity.”

“Fair point. I've read my share of not so good books in this genre, I've to admit. But, does that mean I've got the permission to read your draft?” She smiled at him cheekily, too.

“I have brought that on myself, have I not?” he asked.

“Yes, you have. Do you have any suggestions on what we could do now. The rain doesn't seem to stop anytime soon and your clothes are still soaked.” Sam asked.

“How about you tell me a bit more about you? You said, you are writing your thesis? Is it why you are here? Where do you work? And I would die to know why you wanted to go to the mines. Why I have found you in the mountain lake, you already explained, although I do not know if I should believe it.” He took the chance to ask more questions.

“I finished my last semester at university and have only the thesis left to write. I want to write about the valley and what impacts the more recent historical and economical developments had on it's small communities and their inhabitants up until now. Therefore I decided to move here to do my research at the source. And to be able to do that, I have to work at least a half-time job. I got lucky that there was an opening at the museum. The curator and librarian there – Gunther – let me use the library in my spare time. I'm also exploring the valley bit by bit to link my experiences with the things I read. I think that explains why I wanted to go to the mines. I was told there had been an accident that caused one of the residents to end up in a wheelchair. Afterwards the mines were abandoned and only explorers and adventurers go there now. So I wanted to take a look myself.”

“So you hired a guide and where supposed to meet up with them today?”

“No, why should I? The mines are stabilized now, as far as I know.”

“Alone? That is stupid and dangerous! Do you want to get hurt or worst?” Elliott proclaimed a tad louder than necessary. Sam was startled by his outburst.

“But, the mines are open to the public and I think the most dangerous parts are closed off.” She tried to explain.

“There are things down there! I thought every new member of the town is told that. You should not go there alone.” He became agitated even more.

“I can handle myself. Thank you very much.” Sam got defensive.

Elliott bit his tongue. He had gotten loud again. He could see the flicker of anger in her face. Now he had done it again. The first person in ages don't looking at him funny, while they were talking and he ruined it.

“I am sorry”, he said. “I did not mean that you are incapable. It is just... have you been to the mountain path behind the train station?”

“No, I haven't.” Sam answered, still sour.

“It is lined with graves. All of so called adventurous who had gotten too self-assured. Too confident for their own good. So, please forgive me for losing my temper. The mayor should really close the mines or at least there should be signs warning about the dangers deep down. But nothing...

Sam's features grew softer. She could clearly see that most of his anger stemmed from worry.

“Hey, don't worry. I'll be cautious and if it makes you feel better, I won't go alone. By the way I wouldn't call this little outburst losing your temper. I think you overreact slightly, that's all.” Sam sported a reassuring smile.

Elliott sighed and took a deep breath: “No, when I get irate I get loud and I do not like it.” It reminded him to much of his father, a truth he liked to ignore. “Especially if I get loud with a person the anger is not really directed at. I am – excuse my colorful language here – pissed at Lewis, the adventurers guild and whoever is responsible for making the mines look safer than they are. “ he scratched the back of his neck and downed the rest of his tea.

Sam motioned to the kettle and he acknowledged the unspoken question with a small nod. As she poured she spoke:

“As compensation for your little anger management problem.” she winked. “you could answer me a question.”

Elliott shrugged. “Sure, as long as you do not want me to do the mine diving with you. I hate the thought of meters and meters of suffocating stone above my head.”

“No, it's about something else.”

Elliott got suspicious. As far as he had figured Sam was nobody to beat around the bush. Now she hesitated quite a bit.

“Out with it or have you grown shy over the last few minutes?” he teased.

“So, there was this girl on the train. She really wanted to talk about you, when you left. And not necessarily in a good way. “

He raised an eyebrow. Sooner or later it had to come to this.

“So you want to know about what happened in the graveyard and the other strange stuff she probably told you about, I assume?”

“Yeah, I'd really like to hear your side of the story. Some of the villagers seem to be not on the best foot with you.”

“Figures”, he paused. “It is a rather embarrassing story and those spread quickly and stick for a long time. I would rather like for the memory to fade into the mists of time.” He paused again. He pondered, if he really should tell her. After a brief second he decided to credit her trust.

“I told you my lecturer did not like my draft. It was not the first one to get shredded. I had been to a meeting and it was devastating. The following days my mind was enwrapped in doubt. The thought of failure barely let me sleep. I tried to figure out where I went wrong and how to fix it, but my head was a pure mess, ready to crumble away under the pressure I felt myself in.

The cold grasp of winter had already taken hold and sunk its claws deep into the valley. After a sleepless night, filled with fruitless attempts to write something new, I decided to get out. I left the cabin of mine to clear my head. It was still dark, with only a hint of  sunrise when I left. The cold and crisp morning air and the glittering stillness of that particular morning hushed the valley and helped me to collect my thoughts. The sun came up, while my steps took me to the graveyard. I have been there many a times, when I needed peace.”

He took a moment to continue. 

“You have seen the graveyard, I assume?” 

Sam nodded

“For a town so small it is quite big and has some impressive graves and headstones on it. Some old, crumbly statues, either. There is one grave in particular I like to visit. Have you been to the graveyard or just walked past?”

“I've taken a look, the day I made my rounds with the mayor.” 

“Have you seen the one with the weathered and worn down stone angel, looking like it is about to spread its wings and enwrap the poor soul laying beneath?”

“The one with all the floral motifs around the sides?”

“Yes, that one. It is my favorite among the old graves. I made a very dumb decision that day. I do not tell you this to justify my behavior, just to make it a bit more understandable. I was weary, worn out and deprived of sleep, the cold air made me sleepy and suddenly it looked like a good idea to sit down and rest a bit.“

“On the grave?” Sam interjected

“Yes, like I said. Not the brightest or most glamorous idea I ever had. So, I sat on the stone plate and leaned against the angel. My thoughts trailed off and the next thing I remember is Haley laughing and filming me.”

“You had fallen asleep on a grave, in the dead of winter?”

“I have to admit, yes. I know it can be dangerous, but luckily I was only out for maybe half an hour before being awakened by that woman. I came away with a cold anyway.”

“What happened then? There's more to the story I assume?” Sam asked. 

“Unfortunately, yes… I do not like to be filmed or photographed without my permission. She also made comments about me being a drunkard. So I told her to stop and delete the video. She ignored my pleas and just laughed.

In an attempt to stop her, I might have broken her phone. Now she is telling everybody, I am a lunatic and that I have attacked her."

He paused. The story clearly was hard for him to tell.

"Ah, that's why I've been warned about you. But you didn't?"

"Actually I kind of did." He swallowed the lump forming in his throat, "After she ignored my pleading to stop, I tried to snatch the phone from her hands to delete the recording myself. That is when it dropped.

I apologized and paid her for a new one, but the damage was done." He painfully remembered the large dent it had left in his finances and the looks the other villagers had shot him, after the word got round.

"Yeah, I can see that. The whole thing wasn't cool... from neither of you."

Elliott nodded silently.

"So now you know.” 

Silent fell upon them. Elliott watched Sam closely, while he was waiting for a response. 

“I feel you. You put yourself into a really difficult situation there.”

“Yeah, I feel like everybody is watching me now, whenever I am in town, so I avoid being around people much, since.”

“Do you think it's really that bad? I mean I've been told that you are kinda weird, but nobody deemed you violent or outright dangerous. And you have at least a few friends or acquaintances here, don't you? Anyone who knows you better than stupid rumors?”

“There are a few. Leah, my artist friend from university, who lives on the edge of Cindersap Forest and Willy the old fisherman, but both are away from the valley right now.

I consider Harvey somewhere between friend and acquaintance. And Gunther of course. When I first came here I spent a lot of time in the museum. But do me a favor. Let us change the subject. I do not wanna talk about it anymore.”

Sam nodded. It wasn't surprising after what she'd heard. 

“How about you tell me about your time before you came to the valley?” She asked.

“Oh no. I think I should ask you something first, before answering another of your questions. What was it back on the train…? You said I am the nosy one?“

Sam snickered. 

“You are right. Ask away then.” 

Elliott  thought about his question. 

“Okay you know about my most embarrassing moment now. So tell me yours.” 

“Fair. I've to think about it for a bit though. I've a few to select from.” 

Elliott raised an eyebrow. 

“What have you done?” 

“When I was in University, I lived in an old dorm with showers and kitchen outside  on the floor.”

“I know these. Fortunately I had the luxury to live in a more fancy apartment with a tiny bathroom and a small stove. “

“Do you mean the apartments with the whole bathroom made out of a tub of icky plastic, that doubles as a shower?”

“Exactly.”

Both had to laugh. 

“Anyway, I managed to lock myself out of my room, while showering. So I had to ask around for help with only a towel wrapped around me. Another time I somehow threw my bra out of the open window instead of my laundry basket and I had to fetch it as stealthy as I could manage. Safe to say: It didn't work. I was the laughing stock of my peers the next few days.  

One of my teachers saw my shortened name and mistook me for a guy, so I became Mr. Vaughn at some point.  Took a time for me to realize I was meant. Mr. Vaughn please. Is Mr. Vaughn in today? 

And a thing I'm very proud of “, she winked, “happened when I tried to dye my hair for the first time. Do you know what happens when you hop into a pool of chlorinated water with fresh bleached hair?”

“No, it is nothing I ever tried.” 

“The hair turns green.” 

Elliott chuckled, picturing Sam with green hair. 

“I told everybody that I dyed my hair green on purpose. It was so embarrassing.”  Sam chuckled too. 

“Should I go on?” 

“No need. You are a little magnet for chaos, are you not?”

“You can say so. One learns to live with that, but it makes for hilarious stories.“

Now Elliott was laughing hard. 

“You are hilarious, you know.”

Sam couldn't help, but laugh herself. 

“You say, you dye your hair? It does not look like that.”

It's not at the moment. I was unsure how the townspeople might react and since I need the job here  to fund my endeavor, I thought playing it safe was my best option. Now I wait for the colors to arrive.”

“Lewis and Pierre can be a bit conservative at times. I give you that. I myself am not a huge fan of dyed hair either. I prefer natural colors.”

“Easy for you to say with that gorgeous red mane. You see my hair. It's the most boring shade of muddy brownish blonde anyone could come up with. And growing it out it gets all thin and fuzzy. “

“The undercut suits you, though.” 

“Thanks” 

For a moment they sat in silence, enjoying the warm tea, until Sam remembered something. 

“You said you lived in a dorm, so you studied at university, too?”

“Yes, I was enrolled at ZCU.” 

“Oh, you, too? Let me guess. Linguistics?”

“No, not at all. I hold a masters degree in economics. Was not by choice, though.” his thoughts trailed off. 

“I never would have guessed, but that's brilliant. I think we can help each other out. Just tell me, what do you mean with ‘not by choice’.”

“My parents have a small business, so they made me, because: ‘All comes down to economics, son.’. It was not that bad though. To stick with it and see it through was my own choice.”

“And now you're doing something entirely different.”, Sam laughed. “I thought, I am studying a subject with no use for my future.”

“Well, what is the use of staying in a carrier you are unhappy with?”

“Exactly, but tell that to my parents.”

Elliott rolled his eyes. He could feel that very well. 

“Don't get me wrong. My parents are supportive and all, but they use every opportunity to nag, if they're not 100% on board with my choices.”

I wish I could say the same, Elliott thought, but only said “Parents.” and shrugged. “So you said, my studies may help you? How so?” 

“You can put my findings about the economics of the valley into perspective. From a professional point of view, I mean. So I thought, "I can help you with your writing and you can help me with my research.”

He thought about the proposition. 

“I will consider it.”

“Cool, let me give you my number then. It's fun to run into you by chance, but for us maybe working together, I've rather a way to contact you on purpose, with less water involved.”

“My pleasure, my lady.” Elliott quickly fetched his phone and typed in the number Sam gave him. 

“By the way, I plan to visit Aurora Vineyard, an old, abandoned property in the woods southwest of Pelican Town this Friday. Would you like to accompany me there?” Sam asked while Elliott called here. 

“An old, abandoned vineyard in the depths of the forest? I am intrigued. Count me in.”

“I work until around 14.00. Where should we meet?” 

“I will come and get you. I have not been to the museum for a while, so I  can use the opportunity to talk to Gunther for a bit.”

“Sounds good. What should we do now? The rain doesn't seem to stop soon?”

... AQUARE INFINITI! Rasmodius bellowed. He hold his breath moments before the ball of water engulfed him. He could feel the heat of the flame surging towards him, but the water kept him save.

The eyeless sockets gleamed dark red, as the beast shuck his massive skull, looking angrily for a new target. It tried to grab the warrior next to it, but he jumped in a swift motion on it and jabbed his sword in the place right between the sockets. The creature screamed and tried to shack it's opponent off. The warrior held on. The creature rose one of it's enormous hands and brought it down on it's own snout, but the warrior was gone, He had jump off right in time. The creature slammed the warriors sword even deeper through it's thick skin. It howled in agony before keeling over to it's side and drawing it's last breath. The warrior took his sword from the corps, turning to the next monster.

The other warrior was surrounded by spirits known to Rasmodius as wraiths. Dreadful spirits of swirling smoke, able to breath green fire balls. She held off four of them with well timed swings of her sword. The enchantments on these weapons are impressive, the wizard thought.

He dissolved the water and sent it as waves of sharp shards of ice into a new oncoming line of enemies.

"WHAT HAPPENED HERE? WHY ARE THERE SO MANY CREATURES OF WRATH?", he screamed at the top of his lungs, as the monsters fell. One of the warriors landed beside him.

"Act now, talk later!", he said calm, but firmly and was gone again.

The wizard pondered his next move. They need something bigger or their efforts would prove futile in the end.

"By the light of a thousand suns! It's worse than at night time! ", the warrior fighting off the wraiths exclaimed.

"Just a little bit. Belinda is coming to!" the girl named Bliss was shouting.

LIGHT! That's it! Rasmodius knew what to do:

"Close your eyes, quick!", he shouted. Without waiting for a response he conjured his spell:

"CLARA LUX!"

The wave of light was merciless. In an instant the harsh brightness had swallowed all in it's way. Monsters dissolved screeching with wails of agony. In a blink of an eye it was over. Rasmodius slumped to his knees, breathing heavily. He had to put his all into that spell.

The warriors made short with the few remaining beasts and brought their attention back to Lady Belinda, who now was surly coming around. It took a few more minutes before she was able to sit without support not to mention talking in straight sentences again. One of the warriors hold up a waterskin.

"Thanks, Jio." She took a sip.

"Let's get back to base." she was referring to the wooden house on the other side of the moat. "I've to tell you something."

“We've a problem. I couldn't get hold of the mountain spirit. She tried to reach out to me, but something powerful was blocking her from me."

"Someone spoke through you, my lady." Bliss said. "If it wasn't the mountain spirit, who was it?

"Oh? I don't know. What was it, the conjured spirit said? I can't remember something using me as vessel."

"It was a warning. Something about helping the magic. Helping the farmer to intervene something." Jo provided.

"The farmer? I'm not sure of that." Rasmodius mused. "They haven't shown any interest in the magic of the valley." Belinda thought about that.

"Please try to exactly repeat to me, what I said and how I said it.“

Elliott turned around and looked back. He wasn't sure when he last had met someone acting so nonchalantly around him. It was kinda refreshing. Nonetheless there had been a few awkward situations, but it had been a fun afternoon and talking had been so easy. He had back his most precious belonging, too. No matter how much he had tried to fool himself into thinking, that losing it wasn't a big deal, his thoughts had lingered on his loss far to often. A smile formed on his face, as he started walking down the path to Pelican town. Sam had given him a few things to think about. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her, yet, but he could feel ideas and inspiration coming back to him as he made his way home. Could that be the spark he was missing? A trivial talk full of dumb ideas and nothingness, to free his mind from the shackles he had restricted himself with? The next days surely would tell.

Museum, she had said. Maybe he should leave his abode more often to pay Gunther a visit once in a while...
 

Some thoughts

Sam thought about the day. It had unfold in a totally different way than she'd first planned, but it might had been a successful day nonetheless.

She hadn't been honest with Elliott entirely. She knew how he felt. What he was going through right now from first hand experience, so her most embarrassing, the most painful memory she had, she kept neatly tucked away for nobody to know except her. It was a little white lie or was it even? Holding back a few things while telling the truth otherwise didn't count as lying, did it?

Sam never had it easy to make friends. Her way of talking had often thrown people off. She was painfully aware of that. It had gotten even worse since… She dreaded to think about that day.

When she had left her home for university it had made things easier. New faces, nobody to judge her on her mistakes from the youth. People who were on a similar wavelength as her. And then, shadows from her past had appeared and with them the stories, the exaggerations, the rumors. People she'd deemed as friends had turned and left her.

She'd tried to explain all the wrong accusations away, but the hard truth was, she'd been part of that stupid dare. That, she couldn't explain away. Stardew Valley was sort of a new beginning. No one except her parents knew where she went and for the valley being on the opposite side of the country, chances were slim for her old “friends” to show up.

So keeping that story to herself for a bit wouldn't hurt, would it? Get to know people, establish some trust and choose the timing carefully on her own accord. That had to be the way. And till then, nobody should be involved in her stupidity. She had to postpone the mines, but she would go down there and the only one she'd endanger would be herself.

The trip to Aurora Vineyard on Friday seemed (was?) innocent enough to keep some company around. What possibly could go wrong?

Adventures in the Cindersap

The next two workdays went by uneventful. Jasper was working on restoring the gem collection of the museum, so he had Sam sorting all available stones and tried to teach her how to prospect minerals. His expertise was apparent, but Sam had a hard time to recognize some of the more subtle differences between similar looking gems and minerals.

"Give it time. It will work out." Jasper told her when she began to get frustrated.

"Yeah, I know, but I can't help it. When I learn new things and don't get them right in a short amount of time I'm disappointed in myself. It was all so easy when I was younger, but it seems that if lost that touch since." she sighed

"You know it's the same for all of us?" Jasper answered.

Sam raised an eyebrow.

"I've heard, but it feels differently."

"That's because most of the things you will learn in live are outside of your comfort zone or completely new to you. By nature they are more difficult to learn. And most of the time you see and compare to others who already know what they are doing. You don't see them struggles with the stuff because they already have and have left that stage behind. So please, don't be so hard on yourself." he threw her a smile.

"Thanks." she said and both continued her training.

***

When her workday drew to an end Elliott arrived. Sam waved him over.

"Woah, that is definitely a choice." He reacted to seeing her. "I see your dyes have arrived."

"Yes, yesterday." She said grinning mischievously.

"And now she looks like she's fallen into a rainbow." Gunther had come over, a mug of coffee in his hand, to greet his friend.

"Gunther, how are you? It has been a while since I have been here." Elliott responded, "And I see you have a new colleague?" he pointed to the professor, who introduced himself.

He talked a bit with the other men, while Sam collected her things. As soon as she was ready both left and walked their way to cindersap forest.

"A whole rainbow?" Elliott ask. Sam snickered again.

"Yeah, I like it colorful."

"I cannot say I like it, but I do not have to wear it. So you do you."

"You will get used to it. In the main time show me, where you live."

Elliott complied, since it was more or less on the way anyway and Sam couldn't deny a little envy about the location.

When they entered the forest she tried to remember what Lewis had told her. To their right fences kept docile animals from walking into the woods. Sam stopped.

"Marnie's Ranch..." she muttered.

"What is it?" Elliott asked.

"Nothing, I just try to remember what the mayor told me on our tour here."

"Ah, so you were here already?"

"Yes, but only once and for a very short period of time. The mayor has a quick step.

"I would think so. Do you know he delivers the mail around pelican town, too?"

"No, he hadn't told me. He just showed me a few important buildings and locations I'm not supposed to be."

"Like?"

"The old community center. It appears to be a thorn in his side and I think he doesn't want me to snoop around." But I'll get him to let me, she thought.

"Maybe you can change his mind. You need some good arguments, though."

To their left a little house snuggled on the riverbank.

"Here lives my best friend." Elliott said. "She is not here right now, but she will be back shortly. Here name is Leah and she is an artist. You should meet her. I think you two will get along great."

They continued to walk along the river, past a bridge leading to a little patch of farmland with a run down farmhouse next to it. The owner had named it Fairhaven. Strawberries were planted there.

"Do you have something in mind or do you just want to wander around for a bit?" Elliott asked while they made their way further west.

"I've read something interesting about a vineyard deeper in the western forest, called Aurora Vineyard. The owners tried their best to keep their business running as long as possible in spite of the declining economy."

Sam told him.

"Never heard of it. But I have not been that deep in the woods. Normally nobody ventures beyond that crooked tower over there on the cliff." He pointed to the building looming over the lake."

"Why? It's lovely here."

"Dunno, maybe some superstition? You forgot. I am not from here either."

"Right, let's prove the people's fear wrong then."

They walked around the northern edge of the lake. A brightly colored traveling cart in a reddish purple with a green roof was parked under some trees. A massive purple colored pig was laying in the shadows and snoring the day away. Out of a hatch in the middle of the cart a turquoise haired woman greeted smiling and waved them over.

"Hello there, name's Suki. I'm a traveling merchant. Can I interest you in some of my goods?"

Sam and Elliott looked at each other. This was a strange place for a shop to pop up. Sam shrugged and walked up to the cart. She was curious.

"I'd like to see your wares, but may I ask, why made you camp her and not in the town square?

"My companion", the lady pointed to the big pig in front of the cart, "doesn't like to be stuck on pavement the whole day. Here is much more comfortable." She left it at that. Sam started to browse her wares. Elliott joined in after a moment.

***

"Have you seen all the gotoran things? I bet that's the reason she's not coming to town directly." Sam snickered.

"No, what for example?" Elliott was curious.

"The plates. The decor is unmistakable gotoran. And some of the sweets maybe."

"How do you know?"

"A friend of mine is archaeologist. You learn to date and classify a lot of old ceramic during your studies. We made fun of it by trying to date modern mugs and plates. It became sort of a hob..."

"Shh...", Elliott motioned her to be silent and pointed between the trees in front and slightly left to them. They had passed the crooked tower and were walking through the thicket beyond the commonly known paths and to the west now. A sturdy old man, robed in black, with a black, pointy hat and green hair and beard stood beyond the trees in a clearing and was chanting something, they couldn't understand.

"Who is this?" Sam whispered under her breath.

"I do not, let us sneak past him." Elliott suggested.

They turned northwest and moved as quietly as they possibly could away from the man. The forest grew denser. Soon a fallen tree trunk blocked their way completely.

"Let us turn back.", Elliott suggested while they examined the obstacle, a hint of worry in his voice.

"Why?" Sam, asked. "We can, easily climbed over it."

"I do not know about this. Nobody goes into this part of the forest."

"But it's just wood..." Sam couldn't fathom why he was hesitant all of a sudden. "I think we just have to walk a bit along the path and turn southwest as soon, as we can, to reach the vineyard. It couldn't be that far from here."

"I have a, bad feeling, about, this. Look how dense and dark the woods grow behind, the log?" he added. Sam thought about it.

"Okay, we can turn back and wait for the weird man to leave." She answered downhearted after a few moments. She was about to turn, as she glimpsed something. A tiny, apple-like creature broke out of the undergrowth and ran down the trail.

"Do you see it!" she nogged Elliott.

"Y-yes... What is this?" he watched the bright golden-colored orb hubble away on it's tiny legs, as fast as it could.

"One of the creatures, that made me taking a bath in the mountain lake. Let's go after it and look what it's up to." With that she was over the log before Elliott could stop her.

"Stop! Oh, great..." what had he gotten himself into. Hesitant he followed her, the feeling of unease growing as he ventured into the unknown part of the woods.

This time Sam was a lot more silent and tried to follow the creature without being noticed. It didn't take long for Elliott to catch up to her.

"What are you doing?" He whispered.

"Following the little guy. It hasn't noticed us, yet. And it seems to be quite in a hurry. I'd like to know more about this creatures." She answered him under her breath.

The path in front of them opened up into a small clearing, with a little pond fed by a small waterfall on the northern side, where a small creek flew over the led not even as high as Sam was tall. The golden creature hurried right into the open and bumped into one of six green slimy balls with glowy red eyes. It was knocked back a little and revealed a even smaller apple creature encircled by the slimes and trying to escape. The arrival of their new opponent baffled the slimes a bit, but they soon began to coordinate their attacks accordingly. One would attack the big creature, another from the opposite side the small one. The big one tumbled and fell. The slimes closed in and tried to separate it from the small one.

"Oh, no, they are loosing." Sam whispered. "Let's help!"

“No! It is to dangerous!” Elliott replied under his breath.

“You stay here then. I will help!” Sam didn't wait for an answer this time.

She took the first heavy branch she could come by off the ground and stepped into the clearing.

"Wait! You can't!" Elliott tried to stop her.

But it was to late. Sam had already hit the first slime and send it flying into a nearby bush. The slime wailed in a high pitch tone unlike anything Sam or Elliott ever had heard.

She didn't loose a beat to go after the next one. And she was hitting hard. It flew into the bushes, too. The apple-creatures watched in shock.

"Run! I make an opening for you!" Sam shouted.

The big creature reacted first. It appeared to shake its head, pushed itself up on its feet again and nudged the small one to move. Unnoticed of both another slime crept nearer.

Elliott stepped up and kicked it away. He wasn't sure, but it seemed the walking apples waved both Sam and him a goodbye before vanishing down the path, they had come.

Sam and Elliott began to made their way back, too, when suddenly a whole bunch of the green blobs blocked there way forward. The slimes from behind closing in, the narrow path back to the tree trunk was the perfect bottleneck, Elliott and Sam had been caught in. The surrounding slimes started to attack immediately. Sam tried to use her improvised weapon to block. The speed of the charging slimes caught her of guard She couldn't parry.

"Ouch!" One had hit her thigh.

"These things hurt. Run!" She screamed, as another bumped into her with high speed. She tumbled.

Elliott caught her, before she could fall. Therefore he couldn't evade the next attack. He took a hit right in his gut. The impact took the air out of his lungs. He was gasping. Another slime prepared to jump him.

Sam caught sight of it. She stepped in the jump line, but could barely braced herself. Velocity and force of that thing were enough to push her into Elliott. The momentum of the tumbling woman pushed him back. His foot caught in a tree root. Loosing his balance he fell to the ground. In reflex, he tried to soften the fall with his hands. He winced as a sudden pain shot through his right arm.

But there was no time. He needed to get up and quickly. The slimes had them trapped. Sam took a stance right over him, holding of as many creatures as she could - with the branch, with her body... With every hit she took, her motions became more sluggish, more unsteady. Only desperation kept her going, it seemed. She reached for Elliott without looking.

"Get up! We have to get out of here. You must make a run for it. I'll be right behind you!" She tried to sound confident. He grabbed her hand and pulled himself up.

"You can barely stand on your own. I am not leaving you alone."

They backed away as far as the trees would allow. How should they get out? The slimes had them cornered. Aggressive with red glowing eyes they creeped nearer. The first contracted, making themselves ready to attack. With her last strength Sam waved around the branch. The slimes weren't impressed. Like springs they released there stored power and jumped...

Suddenly a storm rose. Lightning and thunder tore the sky. A booming voice shouted:

"BEGONE!"

The strong wind carried some of the Slimes away. The others turned as quick as they could.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

The voice now targeted Sam and Elliott. In fear they stayed silent.

"EXPLAIN YOURSELF! NOW!" the voice boomed even louder. Thunder echoed over their heads.

A shivering, exhausted Sam stepped up.

"It's my fault. There were these golden creatures, like apples, one tiny, one bigger, and the slimy, green ones and the green ones attacked the the small golden one. I tried to help, but we were swarmed by the slimy creatures."

She looked at Elliott, who was holding his injured hand.

"I got my friend hurt. Could we please leave? He needs a doctor."

"IN THAT CASE..." the storm diffused as soon as it had come. The green haired man from before stepped out of the shadows. A little golden apple sitting on his shoulder.

"Come with me. You have to leave this part of the woods. You don't belong here."

As told Sam and Elliott followed the strange man. After the first few steps Sam stumbled and fell. Heavily breathing she pushed herself up again. The man stopped: "You need a doctor yourself dearie. Don't underestimate those small creatures. They can do a lot of damage and it seems they got you good. That's what you get for invading their space...

But on behalf of my friend here," He motioned to the little golden apple," I have to thank you for saving it."

They followed the man all the way back to the fallen tree trunk.

"I've to sit down for a bit." Sam said and used the log as seat.

The man raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Elliott reached in his messenger bag and pulled out a bottle of water. He drank a bit himself, then handed it to Sam. She took it gladly and drank, too.

"I'm sorry." She said after quenching her thirst, looking at Elliott. "I should have listen to you. I brought us into a dangerous situation and now you're injured because of me."

"I could have stayed back." He shrugged. "But I am glad I did not. I do not want to think about, what could have happen..."

"So", The green haired man interrupted them. "How exactly did you get into this part of the forest?"

Sam and Elliott both looked puzzled.

"We... just climbed over this log...", Sam provided as answer. The man laughed. He didn't seemed satisfied:

"...just... climbed... over here. How were you ABLE TO DO SO?" His voice grew louder until he was almost screaming.

"Like, with the use of our hands and feet?" Sam was taken aback by his sudden outbreak. Elliott stood by her, putting his intact hand on her shoulder reassuringly.:

"I can even do it with one hand? Should I demonstrate?" He hold the other mans stare. The bearded man shook his head.

"I apologize. I shouldn't have gotten loud. My point is: These trunks mark borders. Points where people normally turn around, because they just don't want to take a step further."

Sam wanted to ask how, but bit her tongue. Don't irate the strange man any further, she thought.

"I felt a little uneasy." Elliott admitted.

"A little uneasy, but the concern for a little unknown creature and a mere acquaintance was enough to shake the feeling off?", The man laughed again. "I truly messed up..."

Sam and Elliott looked him, then at each other. Elliott shrugged.

"Sir, can we leave or is there something you still want to know from us?" Sam asked. "We must see the doctor."

"Just one thing. Listen to your guts next time and keep away from places you're not supposed to be. They are off limits for a reason. Now, begone! I've got things to do."

As they went the little golden apple chirped and waved a goodbye.

***

Rasmodius watched while the young people went back to town.

"Simply climbed over the log... feeling a little uneasy..." he'd just renewed the barrier, so how were they even able to see through it? Unless he'd made a mistake. Had he lost his touch? Or was their situation this dire already? He felt for the magic around him. Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary.

The little apple chirped something in his ear.

"And you should be more careful, too, little one." Rasmodius lectured it without responding to what it had said.

"I hate to admit it, but if those two hadn't interfered, you'd be gone. And now off to your family."

It chirped again.

"Maybe,... time will tell. I'll keep my eye on them."

***

Elliott and Sam walked back to town in silence. Elliott glanced over to her. She stumbled, but caught herself before falling. Mucus had stained her partially torn clothes. Dirt and scrapes told the tale of their fight. He presumed he didn't look any better. The silence was welcome, he wasn't in the mood for talking.

His wrist started to hurt slightly and he was barely able to move his hand. That wasn't a good sign. In front of this strange man he'd played it down, but he was furious. Furious with himself for agreeing to such a stupidity and furious with her for being so reckless to get them both almost killed. If it wasn't for Sam being a heap of misery herself right now, she'd already gotten an earful. Instead he clenched his left hand to a fist, grinding his teeth together, trying to stay composed.

He looked at her again. Her footing had gotten even unstabler. She could barely walk in a straight line, even though she tried. Without thinking he closed in and steadied her, before she could fall over her own feet.

“Thank you… and it's okay, you know." Sam spoke in an almost silent voice, broken and barely audible. "You being angry I mean. Me acting without thinking got you hurt, maybe badly. I don't dare thinking what could have happened, if it hadn't been for that strange old man. I don't know if I'll be able to apologize ever enough for today, so scream at me, be angry, be loud…"

With a short gesture he silence her:

"I am angry, but I will not yell. Please, do not talk to me right now. I have to make sense of this whole, excuse me for that - shit - first. Little walking apples, monsters in the woods… Your blatant disregard for my concerns, that put us in that mess to begin with. I just hope, this", he held up his injured arm, "is only a very bad bruising."
 

Harvey

"It' s broken", the brown haired man with the moustache and glasses said, while looking at the X-ray. He adjusted his glasses slightly and turned to Elliott and Sam.

"What do you mean broken? It can not be. It must not be. I need my hand." Elliott answered

Harvey looked apologetic as he repeated:

"Your wrist is broken. Nothing's gonna change it. You won't be able to use your hand for at least 6 weeks. And you are lucky you don't need an operation. The fracture is clean and smooth, so a cast will do."

Sam swallowed hard. She could see the defiance in Elliott slowly vanish as the words reached him and the realizations of what they meant dawned on him.

"Six weeks..."

"I'm sorry, I couldn't tell you anything more positive."

"No, no. It is fine. I am fine. I will see the time as vacation."

He got up and walked around the room.

"Can I do something for you?" Sam asked cautiously.

Elliott turned to look at her. She froze. The expression in his eyes frightened her. She shrunk into the bed she was sitting on.

"No", he said in a quiet and dangerously calm tone. That simple word expressed so much anger and pain, it hurt more than any yelling could ever do.

Harvey watched both of them and made a decision.

"Miss Vaughn, would you please wait here, while we move to the next room for the cast. I'll be right back, after I’ve taken care of his arm."

Sam was caught off guard and wanted to object at first, but the firm look on Harvey's face let her change her mind and she obliged.

After they had arrived in the privacy of the other room, Harvey addressed Elliott again.

"So, what's the story here? You haven't told me everything, have you?"

With a sigh Elliott began to tell Harvey some details they had left out prior, while the doctor prepared and fitted the cast.

"So all of this could have been prevented, if that girl hadn't acted so impulsively. Now she's in shambles and you're mad at her."

"Yes and no. I am mad at myself. I do not know. I just do not know what to do..."

"You will figure something out. You are a smart guy and quite crafty." Harvey tried to reassure him.

"Easier said than done." Elliott replied. He looked down at his hand. "It does not hurt that bad. How could it be broken?"

"You're still in shock and under a light effect of poisoning from the slimes. Believe me, the pain will be there. And the x-ray doesn't lie."

"You are a natural in giving your patients hope."

"I won't lie to you to make you feel better."

"Fair, but not very uplifting."

"I'm your doctor after all. I provide you with healing as far as it's within my possibilities, but I can't do magic. What I can do is to make it easier on you with a few pieces of advice... and you should follow them."

Elliott nodded.

"How's your nausea by the way? When what you told me is right, she'd taken most of the hits during your encounter?"

"She put herself in front of me, so yes, the things did not get me that often. I feel a bit fuzzy and my head hurts, but I can walk in a straight line."

"I've some medicine against the effects of the slimes. Drink it right away and there are some painkillers for later. Take them when you need to and keep the hand rested high to prevent it from swelling more. Rest a lot. Trying to rush things won't do you any good. When the swelling has gone back we can fit you a new cast."

Elliott nodded. He wasn't in the mood to say much more. And he had a lot to think about. So he took his leave after a few more minutes. He heard some sniffling, so he stopped and tried to peek into the other room while passing, but couldn't see anything.

Sam had tried to wait patiently, but as soon as the shock subsided even slightly, the tears welled up. Sam had rolled on her side, facing the wall. Her thoughts raced. She had done it again. Again someone was hurt because of her. Would she never learn? 

Her hands searched for something to hold on. She grabbed the blanket hard with both hands until her knuckles went white and bit into it, to muffle her crying. It would be Clearwater all over again. 

She didn't know how long she had been laying there till her tears started to dry up. Nearing footsteps echoed through the hallway, stopped for a bit and continued away soon after. Not long after Harvey entered the room. 

“Miss Vaughn, is everything okay?” He asked

“Nothing… is okay!” Sam answered him with a broken voice. She turned to him, her face botched, the eyes red from crying. Light lines showed where the tears had been running down her still dirty face. 

“I see, there's more to heal, than just scrapes and the poisoning. You can tell me, if you want. I'm a doctor. Everything you tell me here is confidential. How about starting with what happened in the woods from your perspective. I've got the feeling you left out some important details the first time.”

Sam looked at Harvey and began to talk. The doctor listened closely to catch anything that differed from Elliott's version. Sometimes he nodded. Sometimes it seemed like he was taking mental notes.

By the time Sam came to the end of her story she was in tears again:

"I didn't want that to happen. I hurt someone...again. It should have been me..." the words became mumbling and barely audible.

Harvey stayed silent for a while. He'd learned long ago that listening was the best he could do in times like that. He had put some extra stress on her, but he felt like having the full picture of the accident now and “again” hadn't escaped him, he must tread cautious, though. He let Sam calm down a bit before talking himself:

"I see. You had good intentions, but you have to consider the consequences of your actions. Especially if they can affect others. You haven't done that in the heat of the moment and something went wrong. It may sounds like a worn out, empty phrase, but sometimes these things happen. Don't bury yourself in guilt. It won't help either of you. Take away the right lessons from the incident. Learn from it. Take precautions for the next time or simply listen when someone speaks their concerns."

Sam looked shaken. Harvey wasn't sure, his words had reached her. He waited for her to say something.

"But it’s my fault and now I've lost the first friend I've found here. I must do something. I must apologize. I must..."

"Stop! Hold it right there. First of all you have to get better. Make sure you'll be okay. You've got beaten up quite hard and it affects your perception and your thinking. It's a miracle you were able to stand straight, let alone walk and it had taken a huge toll on you to make it here all the way from the Cindersap.

How does your body feel? The antidote must have taken effect by now.” Harvey had decided to not ask further on the incident right now, to not further upset her, but he made a mental note to provide council anytime she might need it.

Sam was glad he had changed the subject. She was not ready to face her past.

"Not as nauseous any more. And the legs are less wobbly." She replied.

"That's good. I've some more medicine for you just in case. Slimes shouldn't be underestimated and the effects of a direct hit lasts a while. They are poisonous to touch and their mucus soakes through fabric. So, next time, take off your clothes if possible and wash them before putting them on again. With the symptoms you show I'd say three units will do."

He produced a box of vials filled with a pinkish liquid and handed three over to Sam.

"One now, the other two tomorrow and the day after. Drink it. You'll feel better soon."

Sam did as she was told and put away the rest.

“When you're healed up and rested everything will look better. Have a little faith.

And for Elliott. He said he doesn't want to talk and doesn't want to see you, right? But he stayed with you all the way to the clinic. Give him time. He will get over it. He's strong and reasonable. He forgets that at times, though. And six weeks may seem long, but they are not the end of the world and it could have been a lot worse...”

Six weeks…

That was half the time. He desperately needed something to show for, when he had his next appointment in Zuzu City.

Elliott lay in bed and was either staring at his cast or the ceiling. A rough weekend lay almost behind him. His wrist was swollen and hurting like hell and he could barely move his fingertips. There was no thinking of writing anything. He had tried. Worst of all, when he had calmed down after the events the ideas came rushing in. His thoughts circled on how to go on.

He had been furious. Furious with Sam for dragging him into that mess, Furious with himself for not stopping her and going along with her dangerous nonsense. When the anger had subsided a good deal, he thought about what had happened that day. At least they were able to save that thing. But what good had that done him?

How should he make his deadline now? The throwback could literally mean the end of his career. The end of the life he dreamed of. With that thought the misery came and lingered. It overpowered every other thought and emotion till it was anything that was left inside him.

And then the messages from Sam came. They were simple and straightforward:

“Hey, how are you? Is there anything you need help with?” and “I'm worried.”

How could he tell her, she'd almost certainly ruined his life? He almost had done so at the clinic. Now he was glad, he hadn't acted on that impulse. It wouldn't have been fair to put all the blame solely on her, since he just could have stayed back.

He liked Sam, but her recklessness meant trouble.

At least she had the decency to apologize. If she hadn't, he wouldn't even consider talking to her again. But every word she'd said was sincere. He knew the difference between an honest apology and a phony one all too well.

Well, but as honest as an apology could be, it wouldn't help with his problem.

He took his phone and opened the calendar. He'd marked the day in bright red. Three months from now, fate would decide if he could make it. Or was it decided already? Maybe he should call his editor and tell them he couldn't make the deadline. That would mean a breach of contract though.

He opened the messenger app and tipped on a contact. Typing the short text took an eternity with only one hand:

“Are you at home? I need you. Could you come over?"
 

A red hot storm cloud

"DON'T DO THAT EVER AGAIN!", the face of the red haired woman storming the museum was twisted in anger, as she screamed right into Sam's face. "I WILL HUNT YOU DOWN AND MAKE YOU REGRET COMING HERE, IF YOU PULL SUCH A STUPID STUNT EVER AGAIN!"

Sam almost dropped the books she was carrying. Penny, Flor and the children were looking in shock at the scene unfolding right before them.

"Excuse me...", Gunther stepped in. "...this is a public space. Would you please keep it down."

The redhead glared at him: "Zip it! I've got a bone to pick with this one", She pointed at Sam, who looked bewildered, not understanding what was happening, "and you'll let me!"

"Nobody will stop you.'' Jasper had come over from the exhibition section as soon as the commotion had started, "but let's move the conversation to our backroom. There are less children there.

And then you may tell us what all the fuss is about. Mrs Vaughn seems a little lost as well.

The woman glared first at him, then at Sam. After a swift glance to the improvised class, she nodded and followed Jasper down the aisle that led to the storage room. Sam was right behind them. Gunther apologized to Penny, Flor and the children for the noise before stepping through and closing the door behind him, giving them some privacy.

"The fuss", the woman began, while throwing her long braid behind her back, "is about that one", she pointed at Sam again, "almost killing my best friend." It finally clicked for Sam.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING, RUNNING RIGHT INTO THE FORBIDDEN PART OF THE FOREST TRYING TO FIGHT THOSE THINGS?"

Both men exchanged glances, nodded to each other and slipped quietly out of the room, as the woman continued her tirade.

"This man is my best friend. I love him and I won't let him get hurt because of your stupidity. So keep your distance or... or... I... I..." the anger subsided slightly after her outburst, making way for sorrow and tears as the woman began to falter, "...I don't want to think about what could have happened..."

"You must be Leah." Sam said softly. "I know, it's no consolation to you, but please believe me, I didn't want any of that to happen."

"Didn't want any of that to happen... Do you realize what you've done to him?" Leah asked, still glaring.

"I... I... actually don't." she stammered after a bit. "He hadn't talked to me since we've been to Harvey. Breaking his wrist certainly is bad, but I'm glad the fracture isn't complicated and doesn't need fixing with an operation. It'll heal in a few weeks' time, as far as Harvey said."

Leah inhaled sharply: "He doesn't have that kind of time. You may have ruined his career, even his life with your little stunt. He certainly hasn't told you, but he's on the clock. He could lose his contract, if he doesn't deliver on time. It wasn't looking good before the accident. Now it's even worse."

Sam's eyes grew wide.

"Oh no... That's horrible! I just wanted him to find inspiration. Is there something I can do to help?" She asked worriedly. Leah hesitated a moment due to the honest concern, before answering:

"Stay away from him. Leave him be. He is distraught enough as it is. He doesn't need a stranger snooping around, distracting him from his work and reminding him of this disaster altogether. Also he doesn't want to see you."

"No, I can't do this!" Sam stated firmly, straitening herself, putting her chin out. "I've made a grave mistake and Elliott is suffering from it. I have to help him somehow. And if that means acting against his will right now. I will find a way to help him through this, even if I have to write every word he says down, myself."

"Stubborn as a mule. Okay, go and try to talk to him. I won't stop you making a fool out of yourself, but heed my warning. If you hurt him anymore, I'll make you pay."

Hearing that made Sam even more defensive.

"I'm sure of it, but it won't come to this. I promise."

Leah watched her carefully: "We will see."

Without another word she turned around and left. Sam was alone in the storage room. As soon as the tension subsided, her knees went wobbly. She leaned back against a shelf and let herself slide down, till she was sitting on the floor. She had ruined another person's life due to her egotistical behavior, again. What to do? Her head was spinning, she couldn't think clearly. Tears started to form and run down her face. That's how Jasper found her, when he entered the room a fair bit later with a cup of steaming hot tea.

"I'll be right back at work... as soon as my legs... work again properly." She told him unasked, in between a few sobs.

"Take your time, the books won't run and there will be enough opportunity to make up for the missed time later." He handed her the tea while talking. "Here, for you. I figured you may need it."

"Thank you." Sam tried to smile and drank a hearty sip. Jasper sat down beside her.

"What happened? Do you need someone to talk to?"

"Certainly, but I'm not sure. You are one of my bosses."

"I see myself more as a mentor and I know when it's important to listen, besides, do you know anybody else yet? So, if you decide to pour your heart out, come up to my rooms whenever you feel it. I will talk to Gunther, so you needn't worry about work today. By the way I've got hot cacao and blueberry tart waiting in the kitchen."

He got up: "I'll leave you be for now. Clear your head and decide in peace."

"Thank you", Sam drank another sip and watched him close the door behind him.

Gunther approached Jasper as soon as he left the room: "What did she say? How did she end up in the secret forest?"

"I haven't asked. She looks utterly devastated right now. We'll talk later today. I'm sure of it. I told her to come to my kitchen when she's ready. Make sure she can finish her shores another time, so that's no problem. I've a feeling it will be a long talk... "
 

Blueberry tart with advice on top

"So, to sum everything up, you brought your friend and yourself unknowingly in mortal peril to save a little forest spirit. You're only safe because the wizard intervened. Is that right so far?" Jasper looked impressed, as he asked the question. Sam only nodded, while chewing on a piece of the blueberry tart.

"You've been busy since you came here. Many people never ever see one of these creatures, let alone interact with one."

"I'm amazed you know these creatures and about the old man... Is he really a wizard?" Sam asked after finishing her cake. “To see those and the monsters and be expected to act as if nothing had happened makes my head hurt. And Harvey just looked fine with us mentioning it. You know about those things, too and so does that Leah woman it seems. So why doesn’t the world know about this?”

"There was a reason behind me asking about your experiences with magic. This whole place is brimming with it and it seems, you have indeed a natural aptitude for magic or at least an affinity to magical creatures. The Junimos - that's what the little benevolent spirits are called - seem to like you. You know, I think you have been more in touch with magic already than many long term residents here. Junimos normally wouldn't let themselves be seen. They elude me for example, like many other magical creatures..." his thoughts trailed away for a second. "...even with my vast knowledge about them, I have to stick with the likes of him."

He produced a golden yellow Junimo plushi the size of a soccer ball from under the table. The action made Sam laugh.

"He's called Jubilee." Jasper said smiling.

"For your other question: What were you thinking when I talked about magic during our first meeting? The whole world sees me as a lunatic chasing impossible dreams and fairytales. Most of the residents of the valley wouldn’t believe you, if you would tell them, not even if they’d seen a magical creature with their own eyes before. Have you ever heard the saying ‘What does not suit can not be true’? Most people work that way. Harvey for that matter is an exception. He had to patch up enough adventurers already. And for your friend's friend? She lives almost at the edge to the dangerous part of the forest. Maybe she's more aware of the things happening around her.” He paused a moment, eyeing Sam closely. Thoughts seemed to race in her head. She tried to hide it, but her hands were shaking ever so slightly. Before Jasper could utilize the new found ability in his employees portfolio, he should help her. Being direct looked like the best way to approach things for him, so he cut direct to the chase:

“May I suggest something:

Don't dwell in the past. Let’s focus on the things, we have an influence on. We really should talk about the opportunities your new found ability brings us. But that's for later. Now there's a more pressing matter. What will you do about your friend?"

Sam looked downhearted again, as soon as Jasper mentioned Elliott.

"I really don't know, he has read my messages, but won’t answer. Maybe Leah is right and he doesn't want to have anything to do with me anymore. Problem is, I don't even know if I could call us friends to begin with. I’ve thought so, but we've met only thrice and I've probably killed the friendship before it started."

"As far as I can see, you care a great deal, do you not? You consider him a friend, even if he doesn't see you as such at the moment. So, show him. Be a friend right now. If you put the effort into it, it will all work out." Jasper said with total conviction.

"What makes you so sure?" Sam asked, curiously.

"A gut feeling." he smiled slyly.

"That's all good and well, but how to do it? I've actually no idea how I can best tackle it, since he wouldn't talk to me. I didn’t even know about the predicament I put him in with our ‘little stunt’ as Leah called it."

"Have you tried to visit him in person?"

"Not yet. The accident happened last Friday and he’d left the clinic without me. Harvey told me Elliott wanted to be left alone. As wished I didn't reach out to him on Saturday, but I want to know how he's doing and if he's in need of help, so I texted him yesterday. I figured it wouldn’t be too intrusive. I know it might be too much, but I figured, the least I can do is to make him feel less... alone. I put him in this pinch. He's not answering the texts, but he hasn't blocked my number... yet. So maybe not all hope is lost." She downed the rest of her cacao and waited for a reply.

Jasper scratched his head.

“I may not be the best source when it comes to advice for mending relationships, but if you ask me, I’d say you should try to figure out what's the most helpful you can provide your friend with now.”

Sam thought about it. “Inspiration” she said after a bit. “And the means to keep writing…”
 

A last try

The dim, eerie light of the early morning, right before sunrise, gave the landscape a surreal quality. Rasmodius hadn’t bothered to look around the times prior, he had delivered his messages. Now he let his eyes wander and it let him hesitate to put the note into the old, weathered letterbox. He had been friends with the old farmer a long time ago and it was hard on him, how the land had changed since.

The land around him was in a desolate stage, even worse than after years of abandonment after the old farmer had died.

South of the old, rustic farmhouse the once good soil lay barren right up to a cliff physically separating the farmer’s land from Marnie’s ranch. A row of large, shallow pits snuggled up to the cliffside, some of them filled in with a foundation of some sort, some empty. They were square and about the size of 5 x 5 meters. A messy line of trees running from the western edge of the cliff up to the middle of the farmland separated the unattended soil from the dusty footpath the wizard had taken to come up to the farmhouse. The farmhouse itself sat in the northeast of the farmland, in a path of overgrown green, next to a little pond, filled with green  algae infested waters.

Rasmodius didn’t walk much these days. He didn’t know what had let him instead of teleporting like usual, but to stroll up to the farmhouse had given him the opportunity, to take in the land.

On the western side of the footpath old fences, eaten away by time and crumbling to dust, separated once lush pastures from the rest of the farm. Now the meadows resembled small jungles of tall grass, brambles and stinging nettles with occasional marigolds and daisies dotted in between. Beyond that a creek coming crushing down as waterfall from the northern ridge, bordering the farm, down to the south with a wide bend first slightly eastwards, then to the west, before leaving the farm again, created a natural border to the ancient forest, that southernmost part had become the secret woods and with that the home to many magical creatures over time.

Two large clearings had been cut into the woods by the old farmer, the southern one of them reachable by an old, crude stone bridge, about three people wide. Rasmodius hadn’t bothered looking beyond the mouth of the clearing. He knew there had been a greenhouse of sorts in the olden days most likely a victim of time, like the rest of the farm, by now. Young trees and old stumps blocked his view anyway. The northern clearing led up to the ridge, a crusty, old building, by the state of it abandoned for decades, sitting on top, next to the creek. If there had ever been a bridge over the small river, it was long gone.

Many once proud trees had fallen. Stumps still in the ground, the logs had been stagged in one big heap, a large amount of stones had been dumped besides the wood.

“What are they doing here?” he whispered to himself. He weighed the note in his hand and decided to deliver it anyway. “I have to try…”

The wizard was about to leave, when an idea hit him. With a quick glance he ensured he wasn’t watched, then conjured a woodland spirit.

“Mirrp?” It chirped rather unhappy to be awoken at such an early hour. 

“Hello friend,” The wizard whispered. “I need your help. Can you keep an eye on the farmer? They never seem to respond to my summonings and I seriously wonder what this is all about.” He gestured in the general direction of the unused, devastated farmland. 

“Mir IrrpipIrrpip mrrr…” The green apple said. 

“Okay, but be careful. Something is not right here.” Rasmodius conjured up another spell and some more of the creatures appeared, all of them green or earthish brown. They chirped and danced together with the first one.

“Thank you friends. Now be swift, but cautious. And tell me everything you can find about what conspires here. I'll be on my way. You know where to find me.”

He had given the farmer plenty of opportunities to involve themself already. This would be the last try. The wizard turned around. A faint rustling of leaves and all the creatures were gone. He didn't need to look to know it. With a gesture and some murmured words he himself vanished as the first rays of sunlight hit the land. The appetite for wandering around had been taken from him… 
 

“They really threw it away?” Rasmodius asked again in disbelief. The green apple chirped and almost hissed agitated. “I agree, that is worrisome.” The wizard answered the creature. Never before his summonings had so blatantly been disregarded. “So I need to find a substitute… That won't be easy.” he thought aloud. “Will you and your kind stay on the farmland for a bit and keep an eye on things for me?” 

“Mirrup.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Mirr? Irp irip ririri muerr?” 

“I'm aware. I've run into them in the secret woods. Another nuisance I'll have to deal with.”

“Mirrir ip ip ip mirrup?”

“I'm not sure it's a good idea. They clearly know things now they weren't supposed to know, but the girl chased you around, didn't she? Furthermore she has no connection to the valley, no heritage, no legacy to recover or carry on and the author has many problems on his own.”

“Mirp!”

"Yes, I know. It's an uncommon talent, but it does not mean you have to put faith in a stranger. Not if  I can find another solution. But friend, I will keep an eye on her and the author, just in case.”
 

Making amends

The man standing before her was the polar opposite of the well-composed guy she'd met before. A week had passed since their trip to the secret woods. Sam hadn't been able to get a response from Elliott otherwise, so now she was standing on his porch, waiting.

He had deep, dark shadows under his eyes and his normally well cared for hair was messy and dull. He looked crestfallen, the shoulders slumped, the spark in his eyes gone. He hadn't shaved the past week either.

"What are you doing here? Please, go. I do not want to be reminded of the disaster our little journey caused me." He told her and was about to close the door.

"Please wait! I would turn back time, if I could. Especially since Leah told me how the injury affects you. I obviously can't, so I'd like to do the next best thing, but it's hard since I don't know how to help you. So, this is a trial and error thing." She hold up a wrapped package, roughly the size of a cereal box.

"Please take it. I will leave, but promise me to take at least a look inside."

Hesitant he took the gift, before closing the door on Sam, telling her goodbye rather gruffly. She flinched. That could have gone better.

Sam turned away and walked down the shore. Sometimes she stopped to pick up some shells or rocks she liked. Before leaving the beach she took a last look at the cabin.

"I really hope that will do." She murmured to herself and left in the direction of the town.

***

After Sam was gone, Elliott leaned against his cabin's wall and took a deep breath.

Why… Why had Leah told her? How dire straits he was in was not her business. She wasn't much more than a acquaintance by this point. He looked at the parcel in his hand. It was light. He shook it. Something inside made a faint, somewhat dull clapping noise. Should he... or was it better to give it right back? After a slight moment of hesitation his curiosity won him over and he decided to open it.

Inside he found a letter, a thin scrapbook with the handwritten title "Inspirations maybe" and a blister with something that looked like a headset.

He was confused. What was this about? He took the book and flipped the first few pages. There were single pictures glued in the middle of the first 15 or so left pages. Underneath a sticker had been labeled with the date and the time of the day, the picture was and the place where it had been taken. On the right pages Sam had written down a few thoughts about what was shown and why she had selected that picture especially. Otherwise the pages were empty. Elliott had to smile a little. She definitely had thought about and put some effort into the book and he could figure what she was aiming for. The headset still puzzled him though.

He picked up the letter and opened it. He unfolded two sheets of paper. One handwritten, the other printed and looking like a voucher of some kind. He started to read the letter:

Dear Elliott,

I know, I messed up deeply. I thought long and hard about a way to make it up to you and maybe help you out of that pinch I put you in. First there is the book. I figured while you can't or won't search for inspiration yourself, I could bring some to you. The book’s not very full yet. I hadn't much time to explore and maybe, just maybe you'd like to accompany me again, someday.

The other thing I'd like to give to you is a program for speech-to-text conversion. It's my fault that you can't use your hand for the next few weeks, so please accept my gift.

I know it's not perfect and you'll need to train it, so it can pick up your mannerisms of speech, but at least you'd be able to bring your thoughts down to paper. As you wished I won't disturb you anymore, but if you want to talk, you know how to reach me.

Yours, Sam

He read the letter again. The headset made sense now, but...

He took the voucher and fired up his laptop. His thoughts began to trail while he waited for the computer to get ready. A program that writes for me? That could be a game changer. A spark of hope flickered inside his mind. He opened the browser and clumsily typed the name of the program with his left into the search engine.

As soon as the results came up, his eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped: "No, no, no..."

He didn't bother to turn the computer off. He put the paper in his pocket and left the cabin and followed the path to the boardinghouse as quickly as he could. To his dismay Sam wasn't there. Where could she be? He searched his pockets. Damn, in the hurry he'd forgotten to take the phone with him. He addressed the old man behind the counter.

"Good sir, may I stay here till Samantha comes back?"

The man scratched the back of his balding head: "You may, but I think Miss Vaughns won't be here till sunset. She often leaves for work and doesn't come back till it gets dark. You can leave a message with me, if you like, though."

"Thank you, that will not be necessary, though."

Joel nodded in acknowledgment: "Have a nice day then."

"Likewise"

"Hm, the museum next..." he mumbled to himself. If he was right Sam's working hours were over, but maybe she had told Gunther or the professor where she had gone.

As he walked down the cobblestone path alongside the river he noticed the old lighthouse keeper from Eastscarp stumbling towards him. She dragged her steps and was breathing heavily. Her curly gray hair hanging into her eyes, she didn't seem to notice where she was going and came dangerously close to the water. Her steps became even more unsteady and she began to tumble.

Elliott quickly closed the distance and caught her, without even thinking, before she could fall into the river. A sharp sting went through his arm. He gritted his teeth not to swear directly into her face.

"Are you alright? Is everything okay?" he asked. The woman barely responded. Incomprehensible babble was the only answer he got. She looked at him, without focusing. Her eyes glassy and bloodshot, darted around and her dark skin sweaty and a few tones paler than normal. She began to slip out of his grip while barely holding on to her consciousness. He laid her down carefully. Clumsily and with awkward twists and turns he tried to get out of his jacket as fast as possible. He rolled it to a bun to prop her head up. She tried to get up again, but failed.

"Wait, everything is going to be okay. Stay here. I am with you. You cannot walk like this."

She made a few indistinguishable sounds. In an unexpected movement the woman clutched his hand. Elliott began to feel anxious. What should he do? He could not leave her here and he could not bring her to Harvey himself. Even with two good hands it would be a difficult task. With his injured arm it was simply impossible. He looked around. The town seemed to be abandoned and lonely. Damn, why had he left his phone at home today of all days. Something in the breathing of the woman changed. It became flat and irregular. Now he felt how flat out panic crept along his spine. He tried to stay as calm as possible while he was still talking to the woman.

"It is going to be okay. Harvey will see that you're okay." he looked around almost frenetic. A chirping in the otherwise silent town caught his attention and as he looked around he glimpsed a familiar blond hairdo on the over side of the river. He couldn't be picky. She had to do.

"Haley!" he yelled as loud as he could. The blond was startled, but recovered quickly. He waved at her:

"Get Harvey! Quick!" he bellowed.

To his amazement she just took a swift look, nodded briefly and vanished between the buildings without asking any questions. After a few minutes, that seemed like an eternity to Elliott, Haley came back, Harvey in tow. The last meters they were running.

"What happened?" Harvey asked before he even got down to the woman. Elliott told him briefly. He examined the woman and began to draw up a syringe shortly after.

"The doctor is here now. Everything is going to be okay." Elliott tried to get his hand back, but the woman held on. Harvey saw it: "I'll need you to do something for me

Please stay here and keep talking to her. I'll inject this medicine, but it'll take a bit, till the effect kicks in. She'll let go of your hand herself."

"Sure."

Harvey looked up. Some villagers coming across the river and from the JojaMart had noticed the commotion and started to flock around them.

"Stand back everyone!" Harvey bellowed. “You two!" He picked two young men, one in a light blue sweater with gelled back black hair and one in a green sweater with dark brown hair and broad shoulders.

"Alex! Victor! Come here. I need both of you in a bit. Stand by. And Haley! Haley! Put your phone down! Go to the museum and tell Penny to keep the children inside a little longer!"

Everybody obeyed the normally shy and quiet man, who'd clearly taken charge. Elliott never had seen him acting this way before, but it reassured and helped him to stay calm. His attention drew back to the woman. She seemed calmer now and her breath stabilized. The medication appeared to work. But she didn't let go of his hand. Instead she had focused on him. Her lips tried to form words, but she wasn't able to vocalize.

"It is okay. You can tell me later. Keep your breath. You are doing great."

He kept talking while Harvey worked swiftly and with precision. Some time later Maru, the carpenter's daughter arrived with a stretcher. The medical trained young woman worked with Harvey in the clinic so she exactly knew what to do. Harvey advised the boys he'd summoned earlier to help him transfer the woman to the stretcher. When the men moved her she finally let go of Elliotts hand. He watched as they took her to Harveys clinic. He was shaking and his knees were wobbly. He swept away some cold sweat that had gathered on his forehead and was unsure what to do next. What had he been doing right before? Just standing there he watched the crowd dissolve. It took him a few more minutes after, to collect himself and remember that he was on the search for Sam. He took his jacket off the ground and draped it over his arm. He didn't bother to put it on again as he walked the remaining meters to the museum.
 

Community Center

"Do you really want to go inside? The building has been abandoned for years now and it has fallen into serious disrepair. I'm not even sure I should let you go in there, even with Robin having told me, it's safe."

"Mr. Lewis, I think it's an important part of the history of Pelican Town and the valley, so I can't just ignore it. And I promise you I will be cautious."

Lewis scratched the back of his head.

"Okay, I'll unlock it. You can take a look.", He opened the door and handed Sam the key.

"Take your time, but lock it when you leave and please bring back the key when you're done."

"Thanks Mr. Mayor."

Lewis shrugged. He didn't understand why the obsession with the old community center. Sam had asked him more than once now. So he'd finally given in. He should have sold the deed to Morris ages ago, now Joja doesn't finance such endeavors anymore.

Sam looked around. The center room opened into a large rectangle hall with a fireplace on the back wall of the room. To the sides, right in the middle of the walls there were wide hallways to the left and right with more rooms adjacent. Someone had built a small hut out of some plenty stuff inside the main hall, right behind the hallway to the left. The floorboards creaked underneath her feet as she stepped forward. Light fell from holes in the roof. The windows were almost blind with dust and muck. She walked over to the strange structure. It loosely resembled a beehive, but was sitting directly on the floor. The floorboards around it were broken and it looked like it directly grew out of the dirt underneath. She brushed her fingertips over it. It felt warm and alive.

"Strange plant..." she murmured to herself as she walked up to the old fireplace. The framing stones were chipped or missing. Some laying scattered on the floor.

She took her phone. After a quick look on the screen she began to take photos. Her way took her to the right of the room and down the hallway. The corridor was darker with less light from windows or a broken roof. Old paint shipped from the walls, a blackboard hanging only on one screw. To her left a door was hanging loosely in its frame. Behind it had been some sort of office. An old, big, massive desk greeted her as she entered. Its best days had long passed. A chair with broken legs lay beneath it. To its right a broken and emptied safe sat in the corner. Some shelves with a few old, dusty file folders, books and papers were still standing or toppled over. Sam felt lucky. Maybe, she could find some old documents in this mess. She took the first folder of a shelf and began to read.

Elliott was as smart as ever, after he'd left the museum. Neither Gunther nor Jasper knew about Sam's whereabouts. The smartest thing would be to go home, get the phone and write her a message. He was on his way over the southern bridge connecting the east and west part of Pelican Town, as he heard the chirping from before again. He looked around. There was nothing to see. When he crossed the bridge the chirping got louder. It was coming from the north. He looked again. Was there something in Lewis' flower bed? Besides the mayor's house a small strip with colorful spring flowers was planted. He took a step closer. Something was moving behind some flowers. He tried to focus. Was it? It chirped a third time and moved out of the flower bed.

The little golden apple creature Sam and he had saved in that dreadful part of the forest.

The creature waved to Elliott, turned around, ran a few steps, turned back to Elliott and waved again. It clearly wanted Elliott to follow. He was hesitant. The last time they followed one of these creatures was a disaster.

The apple thingy came back. It stopped directly beside one of Elliott's feet and reached for the hem of his trousers with one of his tiny branch-like arms. It paused and looked up to Elliott who was watching. Was it shaking? After the creature seemed to have gathered all its courage, it grabbed the fabric and tried to pull Elliott along. The try amused Elliott, but the creature's determination amazed him.

"Okay, okay. I follow you. Show me the way." he said.

The little apple chirped happily and led the way.

It was cautious to not let itself be seen, so it took a bit before they arrived at the community center.

Elliott marveled about the open door. The little golden apple slipped inside.

"Wait! We are not supposed to go there." He tried to stop it, but the creature only chirped happily and ignored him. He stayed outside for a bit pondering whether to go in or stay outside until his curiosity won over.

The apple creature chirped again and led him through the old dusty hall to a smaller hallway on the right. Sam was sitting on the floor, sunken into her reading, so she didn't notice the approaching man until he knocked on the door frame. She looked up and began to smile pleasantly surprised.

"Hey," she greeted him eloquently.

"Hey," Elliott responded and stepped in. Even in the dim light Sam could see that he looked worse than before. Maybe her brief flash of happiness was premature. A tight knot formed in her stomach.

"What happened?" she asked in a soft voice, becoming aware of his exhaustion and his dirty attire. He sat down beside her and leaned back to the wall with a sigh, eyes locked somewhere on the opposite wall.

"Too much", was the short answer. Sam waited for him to continue:

"I was looking for you and while I was, things started to happen."

He told her how he'd forgotten his phone and that he had been tried different places to find her. He told her about the collapsed elderly woman and finally how he'd gotten to the community center. Sam noticed the golden apple for the first time. It chirped happily and danced around in a circle.

"They are called Junimos and are the guardian spirits of the forest. At least that's what Jasper told me." she filled Elliott in and extended a hand to greet the little one, but it only waved and stood by the doorway. "Anyway, you searched for me, so what do you wanna talk to me about?"

Elliott sighed again and turned to face Sam. There was no way to sugarcoat it:

"You have to take your gift back. It is far too expensive. I feel like taking advantage of you, if I accept it, so please refund the program." He pulled out the now crumpled voucher and tried to hand it to her, but Sam straight out refused.

"No, keep it. You need it. And please, don't worry about the price. Your life's goal is worth far more than that. I've ruined your chances to become an author, if you can't keep your deadline and that's just not right. If anyone has to pay the consequences for my actions, it should be me and only me. Let me right this wrong."

"Please, do not do this to me. You have made a mistake, yes, but my injury was not alone your fault. You should not put yourself in extra distress to make it up to me.

I was mad at you, yes, but I am a grown man and capable of reflecting on my feelings, time given. I was an equal part in our endeavor, so do not take all the guilt upon you."

"Easy to say. I still feel terrible. I should have ended up with the broken arm, not you. The least I can do is provide a bit of leverage for the situation I put you in. Anyway, I can't refund the voucher, even if I wanted to, so you may as well use it." Sam paused and watched Elliott closely. His sunken eyes, the unshaven face, his overall weariness. She tried a comforting smile. "You needn't feel guilty about it either. I figure it's not easy for you, but believe me. I just want to see you smile again."

He brought his knees in, draped his arms over them and let his chin rest on top, cautiously avoiding putting stress on his injured arm, focusing on a random part of the wall he tried to hold back some tears, while talking.

"It is all too much for me right now. The spirits, the monsters, I never knew things like this exist in our world. I just cannot wrap my head around it. Yes, they told us that there are dangers lurking in the mines. But actual monsters? And on the surface, too?”

It struck Sam. Of course he had experienced the same things as her, but unlike her, he had shut himself away, without anyone to talk to about it.

“My writer’s block kept me from creating the story I long to write. Meeting you, shaking my beliefs to the core. On top of that I am full of ideas since we have been to the woods, but I can not write them down, due to the injury. It is frustrating."

He ended with a sigh and stayed silent for a bit. Sam put her hand on his shoulder, partially waiting to be rejected, but he didn't seem to mind, and used the pause to ask what he meant by she had shaken his beliefs. He shifted a bit to look at her again, but instead of answering he asked her:

"Why are you so nice to me? You barely know me, but you have decided to give me a chance even so you have been warned about me. And why are you sticking with me now? I am miserable. I am pathetic. I am vain. My first reflex was to push you away and still you are here and trying to help me?"

Sam thought about the questions.

"That's what friends are for, isn't it? It just feels right, like… I have known you for ages. You... seem to be a kindred spirit." She smiled shyly.

He was silent, thinking about it.

"What should we do about the program?" he asked in a softer, calmer tone after a while.

"I stand my point, you should use it. Even if it's only for a few weeks. You just made clear that you need it, have you not?"

"You won't change your mind about it?"

"Certainly not."

"I admit, it would be a huge help, but I am quite adamant about not taking it for free from you, so I will pay for it."

"That defies the purpose of a gift."

"I told you, it is far too expensive for a mere gift. I appreciate the thought, though. The whole gift was really thought through. I love the idea of the scrapbook and I hereby promise to fill the pages further."

He lifted his head and lay his left hand on his chest. The sudden shift of his position sent a stinging pain through his arm.

"Ouch"

Sam was alarmed. "Does the fracture heal right?"

"It does. It hurts more since I had to catch the old woman, though. I have to see Harvey about it, but he is occupied at the moment."

"Not good. I hope it's not gotten worse."

"Me, too. On the bright side, if I have ruined my hand further, the program would maybe pay off." he tried to laugh.

"You've a grim sense of humor today." Sam responded.

"A necessity or I would grow insane."

Elliott wincing made the Junimo chirp in a low key. It sounded stressed as it shuffled closer cautiously. The humans watched as it first tucked on Elliott's trousers, then tried to climb them. Sam held her hand out once more. This time with the palm flat upwards.

“What is it, little one? You want something from Elliott.”

The Junimo jumped back surprised, but it was determined, so it collected all of its courage once more and climbed onto Sam's hand. She lifted it up and let the Junimo show her the way it wanted to go. Sam had to hold it in front of the injured arm. The Junimo began to dance in a strange swaying way, turned around itself with its arms held high and made strange noises neither Sam nor Elliott had ever heard before. The humans watched in wonder and amazement. The Junimo ended with tapping the cast twice with his little arms and wanted to be put on the ground again.

It chirped satisfied, but sounded exhausted. With a bit of a waddle it walked away and vanished into the hallway.

“What was that?” Elliott asked.

“I don't know.”

They sat a bit and watched the doorway, but the Junimo didn't come back.

“So again, what should we do? You do not want me to pay for the program and I do not want to use it for free. We have reached a kind of an impasse here.

"I've got an idea. You can pay me back, when your book is finished and released. How about that? I think that's a good compromise."

He thought about it. It would be less strain on his momentarily financial situation, so he hesitantly agreed.

"I'm glad we sorted that out."

"Me, too." Elliott looked relieved. "So how do you end up here? I would not have found you, if it were not for our Junimo friend."

"I asked the mayor to let me in. I finally could convince him, I've to show him my notes, though. He's afraid I put a bad light on the town."

"Have you found something interesting yet?"

"Not really. Some old ledgers that had been left, but this far there was nothing interesting in it. But that's the first room I'm in, so there could be more."

"Do you mind if I join you? Our last adventure, as sideways as it was going, fulled my gray cells quite a bit."

"Not at all."

They stood up and Sam put the ledger she had read last back on the shelf.

“So, Leah told me about your deadline.”

“I have to lecture her about that. You were not supposed to know.”

“Why not?

“I did not want to bother you with my problems. And I am not as trusting as you with new acquaintances.”

He was in fact astonished about how much he had told Sam already. Something about her initial trust must have caused him to be more open than usual. Maybe her notion about kindred spirits was not so far off.

“I see. Would you tell me, when your draft is due, anyway?”

“In three months… “

As they got out of the room, the golden Junimo came back. It chirped excitedly and ran back and forth. It looked at them with anticipation.

"I think it wants us to follow." Elliott said.

With both humans trailing it wobbled away. As they passed the planty structure Sam had noticed before, she caught a glimpse of another Junimo, a red one this time.

"There are more of them here." she whispered to Elliott.

"You think they live here?" he asked.

"Maybe. The thing there", she motioned to the structure, "looks a bit like a hive."

He nodded. The golden Junimo chirped happily, and led them down the hallway left from the entrance hall and then into the first room on the left. The room was bigger than the one they were in first, but it was almost entirely empty. In the middle of the floor something was laying flat on the floor. It shimmered in a golden tone, adding warmth to the dim lit room. The humans took a few steps towards it, encouraged by the happy chirping little golden apple.

"You want us to look closer?" Sam asked.

The Junimo chirped and... nodded, before starting to dance around with its stick arms held high?

"I think that was a yes." Elliott translated.

They closed the remaining distance and kneeled beside the artifact.

"Oh, it's some kinda of paper and there is something written on it. I can't read it, though. Have you ever seen a language of that sort?" Sam asked Elliott.

"No, I do not know either." he answered.

Sam touched the paper. It felt warm. She tried to pick it up, but it was stuck firmly to the ground.

"You surely have a pen on you?" she asked Elliott.

"I was in quite a hurry, so I do not think..." he searched his pockets while speaking and finally produced a cheap ball pen he'd gotten as an advertisement. "Well, nevermind."

"Stay here. I'm right back." Sam quickly left the room to return with some of the old, yellowed paper from one of the file folders a few minutes later.

"Let's copy that" she said, turned a sheet to its back and began to write, until she noticed Elliott laughing.

"What?" she looked up.

"You have a phone... with a camera."

Sam facepalmed and gigged while she rummaged through her pockets. She took the photo.

"It didn't work. Look, the writing shifts, as you look at it." She handed the phone to Elliott who was curious.

"Another strange thing to happen. The list grows longer. Worth a try though."

Sam sat down and restarted to copy the scroll by hand. After she was done, she and Elliott looked through the other rooms of the community center. They were no different from what they've seen so far. Rundown and in disrepair. Sometimes parts of the old furniture were left. There were holes in the roof here and there and plant growth had taken over in a few corners. Sometimes a little chirp and faint bustling acknowledged that the Junimos were still around and watching. Their little golden friend had left them after copying with a cheery goodbye.

"Let's leave. We've been here for quite some time now." Sam said after they'd seen the last room with an old broken boiler, down in the cellar. Elliott agreed and they stepped out in the daylight again.

"How about I treat you to a drink at the saloon later tonight?" he asked.

"That would be nice. How late should I be there?"

“Around eight.”

"Hey, Elliott." the voice of a woman interrupted them. "It's good, I've seen you. Harvey is worried about you. Could you stop by the clinic today?"

"Hi Maru, yes I will, I wanted to make an appointment anyway. Why is he worried?" Elliott asked.

Sam watched the young woman as both talked. She hadn't seen her this far. Her skin was a darker shade of caramel, she wore red rimmed glasses and medical attire underneath an open coat she'd just thrown on, by the looks of it. Her hair the color of red vine reached to her chin. She sported a warm, friendly smile as she spoke.

"...but he noticed you weren't in a good shape, so he tried to call you a few times after we'd taken care of our patient. You weren't answering and you know Harvey. He's quick to worry."

"I forgot my phone at home today. Would you let him know, I will be there in a few minutes? How is the old woman? Could you help her?"

"She's on her way to Grampleton. We've transferred her to the hospital there for further treatment, but she's stable."

"Good to hear."

"I call Harvey then. Give me a sec..."

"Thank you."

As she looked around, waiting for Harvey to answer, the woman seemed to notice Sam for the first time. She waved at her. After she’d finished the call she introduced herself:

"Hi there, I haven't met you. Names Maru."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Sam."

"Oh, another Sam. My brother's best friend is a Sam, too."

Sam laughed. "So I'm Sam, the Second."

Maru laughed with her:

“Sounds like royalty, when you say it that way.”

"My liege, I dismiss myself for the time being. Till I meet thy again." Elliott interjected and bowed.

"We wish thy farewell. Shall our paths cross again." Sam answered as formally as she could manage without laughing and waved him away.

Maru snickered.

The man turned around and strolled over to Harveys clinic.

"I haven't seen him that chipper in ages. He seems down in the dumps most of the time lately." she remarked while looking after him. Then she turned her attention to Sam.

"How did you end up in the valley?"

So Sam told her story again.
 

Friday Night

"You look awful." Harvey was painfully blunt. "Be a bit nicer to yourself. Promise me that?"

Elliott nodded.

"I just have not felt the need to lately." he answered. "My life felt in shambles for quite some time now. And every time I see a silver lining, reality hits me down again even harder." He held up his cast.

"You are way too hard on yourself. Self care is important. Even more so in a situation like yours. But that's not all I wanted to talk about."

Elliott raised an eyebrow.

"How are you? The situation prior was quite stressful and I hadn't the time to tend to you. To witness a medical emergency and act on it puts a lot of stress on you, if you're not used to it."

Elliott thought about it. He hadn't had the time to reflect on it during the emergency, but he dreaded the reactions and new gossip, the incident might have stirred. Maybe it hadn't been a good idea to invite Sam to the saloon. Today was Friday, the busiest evening of the week. Otherwise it had been ages since he'd last gone there and he longed for a chilled ale running down his throat. But he hated to be the center of attention, at least if it wasn't for the right reasons and thoroughly planned, though. Harvey was fairly indifferent to him, so he pondered if it would be a good idea to tell him about his fears, but ultimately decided against it.

"I have felt better to be honest, but I am glad, I could help at least a little."

Harvey nodded.

"If anything is amiss, please don't refrain from telling me."

"I have a problem with my arm. I had to catch the woman with it, or she would have fallen into the river. I might have managed to hurt my damaged hand even further."

Harvey looked worried.

"That's not good. Let's have an X-ray then."

***

“Amethyne Manor, Sonny speaking.” the butler answered the call. “I'm afraid the Madame is currently unavailable. Shall I relay a message? …Yes, I'm aware of that… No, she is in a meeting right now and will call you back.”

He scribbled some lines onto a notepad, conveniently laying beside the phone

The matriarch of the Amethyne family came over with weightless, silent steps that belied her age and watched him writing. Her brows knotted and her forehead crinkled in a frown, when she saw the name of the caller. She motioned Sonny to put the caller on hold. 

He complied and with the swift apology to summon the Lady of the House, paused the call. 

“What does he want?” Madame Amethyne asked with a stern look. 

“He wants to talk to you about a business proposal. Something the farmer seems to be involved in. And he doesn't take no for an answer.”

“Put him on my private line in a minute. I'll deal with him.” With that she turned and walked up the stairs to her office. As soon as she entered the phone on her desk began to ring. Mmd. Amethyne put the caller on speaker. 

“Amethyne Manor. Maive Amethyne speaking. How can I help you Mr. Greenfield?”

The man on the other end, frustrated to have kept waiting, spoke louder than he had to:

“Maive, you can’t let me hang dry like this. We have been business partners for how long exactly? It hurts me that you treat me like an ordinary petitioner.”

“Oh, I don't. I would have told Sonny to hang up on you in that case.”

“You know who you're speaking to, don't you?” 

“Certainly, and I know who I am.” 

The man laughed: “Still the same old Maive. A worthy partner and a fierce opponent I never want to have.”

“Stop babbling and tell me what this proposal is about or I hardly deem you worth my time. I guess it's about the plans for the valley?” 

“Sharp as a razor, as always, my dear. Are you still adamant about your stand against Joja?”

“Joja has no support among the villagers. Furthermore its track record with endeavors like this is less than optimal. But why do you ask anyway? Joja no longer finances community development.”

“You know, I have my ways…”

“No. No involvement of Joja  Corp.”

“...you are making a mistake, Maive.”

“I don't think so. Everything is coming along nicely just the way it is. The mayor and his sister just need an incentive to do their work. We'll give it to them.”

“Ah yes, an incentive… I can see that. Okay, I leave you to that. Keep me updated my dear.”

“Certainly. We'll be in touch. Regards to your family.”

“To yours, too.”

With no further word they ended the call. Maive glared at the receiver in disdain. “I should have known…” 

She called for her butler who arrived a little later with steaming hot tea and a plate of various sandwiches, neatly cut to triangles. 

“Sonny,...” she addressed him. “If Mr. Greenfield happens to call again about involving Joja in our little plans… hang up on him.”

***

"It's astounding how incredible lucky you are, you know?" Harvey said in a tone of equally disbelief and relief at the same time. I can't say how the tissue around the fracture looks. We don't have the equipment. You'll need a mri for that, but as far as I can see, the bone looks fine. I suspect the cast stabilized the fracture well enough to prevent the bones from shifting. However, there may have ruptured a few of the smaller blood vessels under the stress. Hm,.."

He brought up one hand to his face, so his mouth and stache were covered, the fingers closed to a loose fist, one knuckle directly under his nose.

Elliott knew this face. The man was thinking. Something was not quite right.

"Is everything okay or should I worry?" he asked.

Harvey, hearing the other man's voice, snapped out of his thoughts. "No, no. Everything seems as good as it could be right now. It's just... I don't know how. The bones really should have shifted with the impact. Even with the cast to protect them from the worst of it. The fracture is too fresh. So I say it again. You were very, very lucky."

Elliott sighed with relief. Since the realization of what his action prior could have cost him, his biggest fear had been the impending threat of an operation, even if he had made fun of it earlier. The loss of time it would have brought with it, wouldn't have been salvageable under any circumstances. Not even with the help of the voice to text tool. He looked out of the window, his thoughts trailing of a bit.

“If there is nothing else, I would go.” he said after a bit.

“Elliott,” Harvey said. “Don't beat yourself up. Promise me that? I see, that you're not well, you know. To be frank, anybody could see that right now. But remember: First of all, you're not alone. Don't forget that. And second: You've done something incredible today. You saved a life.”

Elliott left the clinic in a good mood. His arm hasn't gotten worse and after what Sam and Harvey said to him, he really felt less alone. Maybe it wasn't that bad of an idea to stir the attention in a way he wanted it to be. A little smiled formed on his face as he walked his way home.

***

“We need help! Grampleton Fields! Breach in the East Scarp barrier!” The stone went dim again and dropped to the ground. Aguatros caught it before it hit the floor and slipped it in his pocket. The message was directed to all magical personnel in the area, so it had to be urgent. “Let's see.” He murmured to himself. He hadn't used a teleportation spell in a long time and was a bit rusty. He walked up the flight of stairs to the lab. 

“Miss Pickens, I have some important matters to attend to and don't want to be disturbed. If anything of interest comes up during your research, it will have to wait till tomorrow. Understood?”

The young woman nodded and turned back to her work. 

On his way back, he took a worn, old book with a thick unlabeled cover and many breaks in its spine out of his privat shelf, he had to put up there simply for the need of space. Nobody in the research facility dared to mess with his privat things anyway, so it was probably fine. He searched for the spells he needed and marked the pages. In a corner of his private  chamber, his old staff and a pouch with ingredients rested. He picked them up, put the book in the pouch and shuffled over to a makeshift circle. 

“Let's see… I haven't done that in a while and the Grampleton fields are vast. It will be easier to teleport to a specific person rather than to find the breach. So, magic, don't fail me now. Show me Rasmodius and take me to him: Accipe me ad amicum meum statim!” The last sentence he shouted.

The man was engulfed in a soft white light, then vanished. Moments later he found himself on a crossway, the muffled sound of fighting nearby. Bright sunlight hit his face and he wasn’t able to see at first. His head spun. 

“Aguar, duck!” Someone shouted.

The old man let himself fall to the ground on instinct. Something flew over him in a blur and exploded in a ball of sparks upon hitting an unfamiliar creature on his other side. The fighting was nearer than he'd thought…

When his eyes and ears adjusted to the bright day, the man noticed the hand stretched out. 

“You were quick, old friend.” Rasmodius addressed him, while helping him up. The world got unsteady under his feet. 

“I just remembered why I normally don’t travel via teleportation, Aguar answered, sporting a faint green tint and pressing his free hand against his forehead.

“Take a moment to adjust. We have to wait for Camilla anyway.” Rasmodius looked around. Two silver haired men were fighting the monsters to their left, a pale woman with dark purple, almost black hair, who was fighting with bow and arrow stood next to them and a man with a similar hair color, but a much darker complexion and a huge scar across his left eye was fighting to their right. 

“Take part or get to cover!” The woman shouted. 

Aguar let himself be guided out of the immediate danger to the side of the battlefield. 

“So what happened here exactly?” he asked after his head stopped spinning. 

“Look” was the short answer Rasmodius gave and pointed. Up to the north on a small plateau a crooked tower raised above the plain, reachable by steps carved into the raised stone. Around it the air looked wrong, somewhat blurry like the air on a warm summer day above hot asphalt. From that stretch monsters were seeping into reality. The fighters kept them at bay for now. The newly arrived magician patted the dust off of his trousers and coat, while watching them.

“Who are…”, he began, but was cut short.

A bright flash pierced the sky. Thunder rolled almost immediately. A cloud formed on the ground next to the wizards. Out of it stepped a beautiful blonde woman with long straight hair, under a large midnight blue pointy hat. She wore a long, also midnight blue dress with purple accents and heels. 

“Lady Camilla, what a relief.” Rasmodius sighed. 

Aguatros was stunned. He hadn't made the acquaintance of Camilla yet. This should be the most powerful witch in Ferngill or even the whole world? 

“Not the most practical outfit for a battlefield.” he spoke his mind. 

“Do I look like I throw myself into a battle?” she raised an eyebrow. “Just watch, old man.” 

She turned her attention to the fighters and monsters around the tower. After accessing the situation she raised a hand high above her head, murmured a few words under her breath and snapped her finger. The monsters around the tower froze. Another snap and they went to dust. 

“Let's get to work boys. Let's seal this rift.” She stepped ahead, nodding towards the two dark haired fighters in recognition. 

“Marlon, Greg, let's fall back.” the man called out to the other two, standing around startled by the action of the witch. Although experienced fighters, the head of Pelican’s Adventurers guild and his friend had been taken by surprise. Hearing their names brought them back into action and they moved out of the battlefield.

They sheathed their swords and made way for the three magic users. Aguar noticed that the dark haired man wasn't the only one with scars on his face. The younger of the gray haired ones seemed like he had almost lost an eye sometime back. The wizard's hands began to sweat as he went up to the tower. He fumbled on this pouch to extract the book. “Discidium claude numquam iterum aperietur.” Rasmodius whispered beside him. 

“Thank you old friend, I haven't used such magic in a long time.” 

Camilla directed the men each to one side of the windswept tower, right outside of the rift. She herself formed the third corner of the triangle. 

“This is a small rift. closing it won’t be a problem, but we have to infuse the barrier with our magic at the same time. I can feel it weakening as we speak.” Camilla spoke aloud for both the wizards to hear.  “You know what to do?” 

The men nodded. 

They spread their arms wide palms facing each other. Aguar felt the power surge through him immediately. His fingers tingled while the connection to the other two was made. He closed his eyes and concentrated. Words were important. He mustn't get this wrong. He wanted to speak the words, but his mind went blank. A black void right behind his eyes. His memory failed him. Coldness engulfed him and he started shaking. That wasn't supposed to happen. He had to remember… 

“Relax…”, he heard the woman's voice in his head. “Calm down and let go. Just listen to me and let me guide you through.”

Humming… no words were spoken, but reassuring harmonies guided him towards the rift. He could feel the cold intensify. A churning sound grew louder, till it was on the brink to overpower the gentle humming. 

A moment later, he saw it: Sharp torn edges of realities fighting over one another. Breaking, crushing, clashing against each other. Creatures lie in waiting, monsters eager to conquer a new world. 

The humming grew louder. A shudder ran through the creatures. 

Was someone singing? 

“Follow my lead now. Forget the words. Words are only important, when you infuse them with meaning. Feel what you want to do. “

The singing grew more prominent. Into the melody, another voice spoke somehow familiar words. Then someone else chimed in with a mix of words and sung tones. It took Aguatros some time to realize that the second voice was indeed his own. 

He didn't know what he was saying exactly, it just felt right. The border strengthened and the rift folded in on itself. An eerie scream sounded from within, with the last inch closing.

With Camilla in the lead, the ritual was conducted masterfully. Her own power would have been enough to do the deed, but with Rasmodius and Aguatros to help, none of them would be too drained and exhausted afterwards. They needed their strength to maintain their designated barriers.

***

Sam sat by the massive wooden bar, waiting. The saloon was packed and still more villagers arrived. Most of them, Sam hadn't seen before. Friday seemed to be the day everybody went for a drink. A majority flocked around the few wooden tables, sat on the red upholstered stools around the tables or the bar or were using one of the few booths giving them some rudimentary privacy. The mayor talked to a small, sturdy middle aged woman, who seemed to have only eyes for him. An older woman with a blond perm on the far side of the bar, definitely had too much beer already and looked barely awake. An older bald man with hardened features and a dark tanned standing beside her was sipping on some harder stuff. He was eyeing one of the barmaids, a bubbly young brunette in a green dress with small white flowers. On the other side of the bar a few men were shucking down beers, like it was a contest, cheering each other on. The other barmaid, a blue haired woman in a red dress, kept an eye on them, while talking to Pierre. In an adjacent room to the bar, a few younger men and women were playing pool or arcade games. Sam recognized Maru, and the purple haired girl that bumped into her, on her first day in town - she had forgotten her name, and Joel's daughter Sheila, who runs a ranch next to the boardinghouse. The lean, tall woman squirmed around a blond with spiky gelled up hair. There maybe were more people, but the wall blocked Sam's view further in. The carpenter and presumably her husband were dancing in a free spot in the main room of the saloon. 

“Haven't seen you around, lass. You must be the new one in the museum. Welcome to Stardew Saloon. I’m Gus, the owner. Have my girls let you sit dry? Can I fix you a drink?” the barkeeper, a sturdy middle aged man with a warm, welcoming smile, dressed in a colorful Hawaiian shirt asked her while polishing some glasses.

“Thank you, but no. I'm waiting for someone, and I don’t want to start on my own. I'm  Sam. How did you know I work at the museum?”

“I'm the local barkeeper and chef. Nothing eludes me.”

“Figures.” 

“So tell me lass, what do you think about our beautiful valley so far?”

“It certainly is different from what I imagined. The nature is stunning. The people are nothing, but friendly so far.” She deliberately left out the little fallout she had with Leah.

“So you haven't met our local grumpy folks yet...” Gus shimmed in.

“I don't think I have. Here are much more people I expected to be honest.”

“Today almost all the valley comes here. Not only Pelican Town. Ridgeside and East Scarp, too. Have you been there already?

“No. Honestly I wasn't prepared to walk that much. I'm used to much shorter distances.”

Gus laughed a rich, booming, contagious laugh.

“City slicker.”

“Busted” Sam had to laugh as well.

“It's your first time here, isn't it?”

She nodded.

“Then let me pour you a drink as a welcoming gift. You can tell your date, I insisted.”

He looked up for a moment to acknowledge the arrival of a new guest with a short furrowing of his eyebrows and continued to ask what she wanted to drink.

“Hm..., a coke then.”

“Come on lass, that's boring. I’ve got cocktails, wine and a killer ale on my card. Don't want something fancier?”

“If a coke is what the lady wants...”

Gus raised an eyebrow on the comment.

Elliott's voice made Sam turn around. She caught a whiff of the fruity scent he was wearing before she could see the stunning man facing her. His freshly washed hair was shiny and fell in loose waves over his shoulders all the way down to the midst of his back, framing his freshly shaven angular face. The shadows under his eyes were still there, but the smile he sported was genuine and brought some fire back into his eyes.

He wore a bright red, dated, but well cared for open dress coat with a plain button down shirt underneath in a warm white. A green tie in the hue of pine needles and dark beige slacks with matching, dark shoes completed the outfit.

“Hey stranger, who are you and what have you done to my friend?” Sam asked, smiling brightly.

“I should be the one to ask that question.” Leah said, stepping out of Elliott's shadow, surprising Sam who hadn't noticed her.

Elliott nudged his friend: “Be nice, do me the favor.”

“I know, I know, I promised.”

Sam was confused. What was she doing here?

“Our table is already taken. Let's look for a free booth then, I'm starving...” Elliott stated.

“Hey Gus, would you care to prepare a red wine for Leah, a pale ale for me and of course the Coke for Sam here?” he shouted over Sam's head.

The barkeeper nodded briefly and grunted.

He watched skeptically as the three of them searched for an unoccupied place to sit. He nodded to Pierre, who had been standing there in silence, watching. The shopkeeper came over: “If I’m right, we should keep an eye on them. The new girl's taste in friends certainly left room for improvement.”  

***

“So, how come the sudden change in your mood?” Sam asked. 

“Some people I talked to recently reminded me of something important.” Elliott replied. “So I decided, I need to stop mourning a calamity that has not happened yet.”

“And what's with the attire? It's a bit overkill?” she asked further. 

“She's blunt. I have to admit, I like it.” Leah interjected

Elliott leaned in: “It is the only clean somewhat formal jacket I have left the cast fits through. The other one is in a desperate need for a wash due to the events of today.”

“I was wondering how'd you manage to put on the shirt, wash your hair and all of that in that short time.”

“With a lot of help.” Leah took the liberty to answer. “He dragged me right into this, after your little adventure.” She gave Sam a stern look, who nodded in understanding. This interaction didn't elude Elliott. He raised an eyebrow while sipping on his drink. 

“We even had to cut the seam on the shirt, so I can wear it.” he added and showed Sam the cuff they had widened. Leah grunted.

“I think we should change the subject.” she said, still eying Sam. 

“While I excuse myself for a few minutes, you can think of a topic.” Elliott stood up and walked over to the restroom. 

Sam felt amiss. Why would he leave at this moment? The tension between her and Leah was already rising and they hadn't had dinner yet. 

“He wants us to be friends, you know...” Leah voiced into the silence, twirling an astray strand of her long hair. “...so I'll try to get along with you for his sake. If it was for me, though, I wouldn't have forgiven you that easy and he shouldn't have either, but I have to admit, I haven't seen him even a bit hopeful in a long time. Putting himself out again, facing his fears… he wouldn't have done that all by himself. I hate to say it, but good job.” She paused to collect her thoughts. “That doesn't mean I like you. I will play my part today and gladly ignore you when I can. And you mustn't forget our deal. If you hurt him, you will face the consequences.”

Sam nodded. “That won't happen. I promise.”

“Time will tell… And now let us change the subject. Elliott is sensitive. He will blame himself for us fighting… so, he told me you went to university?”

***

What had he been thinking? Coming here was a terrible idea. He could feel the looks while he walked passed. People whispered under their breaths. Gus hadn't forgiven him for calling him barkeeper, the one time he had actually forgotten his name. (Hours upon hours of writing had turned his brain into mush that day.) He could see it in his eyes. Leah seemed to hate Sam - for obvious reasons - he had to admit. 

The boost of confidence leading to him coming here tonight crumbled as he looked in the bathroom mirror and Elliott became painfully self-conscious with every passing moment. He looked ridiculous. They would all see the vain, self indulgent writer boy, they thought he was. It was only a matter of time till his new friend started to listen to them. 

Now it was too late for all those doubts. He had to fake it till the end of the evening. “Compose yourself, you are not an insecure teenager anymore. Act like the adult you are.”

He didn't pay much attention to the toilet flushing behind him or the steps coming closer. Not until the man at the sink next to him spoke up. 

“Hey man, uhm…” Alex had a hand in his neck, playing nervously with the short, brown hair in the back of his head. “I just want to say, uhm… that was cool of you. Helping that poor woman.” He scratched the back of his neck, looking around, trying to avoid eye contact. “I was kinda dick to you in the past. I… want to apologize. Maybe we misjudged you…“

***

“So he got up and literally left for a smoke in the middle of our exam.” Sam said. “But nobody dared to cheat.”

Leah laughed: “His exams weren't good for cheating anyway. Too much applying of knowledge instead of learning by heart.”

“You're right with that.” 

“While he was teaching us, he once threw an essay out of the window and let the student fail the whole semester.”

“What happened?” 

“The student brazenly plagiarized one of the books he had written under a pseudonym.”

“Oh no, that's stupid.”  Sam snickered. 

“Oh, have I missed something?” Elliott asked, coming back to the table. 

“You haven't told me Sam went to the ZCU. Did you know she had classes under Dr. Brambleton?”

“She has not told me, no. So we all went to the same university? And Dr. Brambleton? Is that the professor infamous for his hard curriculum and his choleric temper?”

“Was…, unfortunately, but yes.” Sam answered him. ”But Leah and I are on the same page about his curriculum not being this hard. It was a lot to learn early on, but it got easier with time and the knowledge you gained was massive and fundamental groundwork for further studies.”

Elliott smiled to himself, while the women continued to share their anekdotes about university. Groundwork indeed… he thought. The evening seemed to get good after all. Now he had to bring up the contract somehow…

The brunette with the flower dress interrupted his train of thoughts. 

“Hi, I'm Corinne. I'm your waitress today. I've a large garden salad with goat cheese, some crab cakes and spaghetti pomodori with extra mozzarella.'' 

“Doesn't it creep you out, that this grumpy old guy on the far side of the bar is eyeing you all evening?” Sam asked while she took the spaghetti out of Corinne's hands. Corinne laughed. “That's my father. He's a bit overprotective ever since mom died.”

Sam could feel the sudden heat in her cheeks and on the bridge of her nose. “Oh, I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…”

“Don't mind. At least you asked me directly.” She was still laughing. 

“You should really check that mouth of yours, it seems to work without checking with your brain first.” Leah said, laughing with some hint of schadenfreude. Corinne shuffled away to let them sort out the embarrassing moment on their own. Sam decided that it was the right moment to dig in and Elliott couldn't keep from laughing himself. He felt a bit sorry for Sam, but her clumsy attempt to let the moment pass was hilarious in itself. 

“Bon appetit” He said and dug in himself. 

After they ate and Sam had calmed herself down again, Elliott produced a few sheets of folded paper out of his coat pocket. Sam raised an eyebrow, as he unfolded  and handed them over. 

“What is it?” she asked. 

“The official part of the evening. We had an agreement earlier today. I want to make it a contract so no one can wiggle out. I have the definite feeling you try to forget about it someway along the line.” He stated bluntly. 

Sam was busted. She had planned to do exactly this. Let him keep his face and let the gift still be a gift. She read the contract. He had taken everything they agreed upon into account and put it down on paper. 

“Economics, you said?” Sam asked as she took the pen Leah provided. 

“I just want to be accountable for my actions.” Elliott said.

“And he doesn't like handouts.” Leah interjected. 

“But why three copies?” Sam asked. 

“One for each of us and one will stay with Leah for safe keeping.”

Sam wasn't sure if she liked this formal business, but she hadn't any real choice, at least if she didn't want to disappoint her friend, so she signed the sheets and handed two over. Elliott looked relieved. “I thought you would try to fight about it.”

While they were conducting their business, Gus and Pierre watched discreetly. “What is happening there? Are they roping the new girl into something dubious she'll regret tomorrow?” The corpulent bartender asked.

“I don't know, I couldn’t get near enough to hear them talk very well. Something about a contract I gathered.” he answered. “Isn't it disgusting how these people bewitch young minds to do their bidding?” he added. 

Gus raised an eyebrow on that comment. He had learned to read the body language of his customers to some extent. All three seemed to be more or less relaxed. There had been an obvious tension between both women, which was declining after they found something to talk about. Elliott had been visibly anxious when he'd walked in. After everything that had happened, a perfectly normal reaction and with nobody paying too much attention to him, the nervousness had left him to a large degree. The interactions between the three seemed perfectly normal and nobody gave any signs of being pressured into something.

“Have you heard about the old lady? Caroline's talking about nothing else. Olivia's boy had been right there. The women squeezed him dry.” Pierre continued.

“It’s the talk of the town. Lucky for the old lass to have help immediately. On that thought. Maybe we misjudged our writer boy. Even Haley said something along that line at least according to Alex.

“I don’t know.” Pierre answered. Isn’t it too convenient? I’d say one good deed proves nothing.”

Gus shrugged. Except for his personal little grievance with Mr. Posh, he was quite indifferent to his guest. The position as the owner of the local saloon and therein as the bartender gave him the advantage of hearing all sorts of things. Most of the time he didn’t let on, on how much he knew about his patreons. Gossip was a valuable currency in small communities like the valley and he couldn’t afford for people to be overly cautious and private around him.

“...and the seduction of our young people. Have you read even one of the poems he had sold at the Ridgeside Gathering last year? No wonder Abigail thinks she can be a swashbuckling adventurer when someone like him puts all that fluff into her head.” Pierre prattled on.

Gus nodded: “So that’s why…” he muttered under his breath.

“What?” Pierre asked.

“Nothing, just idle thoughts.” Gus looked first to the three guests talking and laughing, then over the crowd in general. Pierre and he weren’t the only ones watching the new girl and the artists. Lewis tried to glance over to them inconspicuously now and then. Pierre had followed his head movement and noticed, too. Gus didn’t seem to want to talk anymore, so he decided to shuffle over to the mayor. Maybe, just maybe he would be heard by him. A malicious grin formed on his face, as his mind concocted the beginning of an idea…

The Valley's magic

"It seems you're simply unable to keep your nose out of other's affairs. Before you get yourself into another disaster, I'll summon you to the wizard's (my) tower. 13.00 sharp. You'll learn everything you must know.

M. Rasmodius"

Sam was sitting in the combined kitchen and dining room, eating her breakfast and reading the note over and over. She had slept in and was alone with the exception of Joel, who scrambled some fresh eggs for her and was humming a cheerful tune. The old man running the boarding house praised himself for the hospitality and with only a handful of guests in his homey establishment he was able to manage most of the service himself. Sam had come to like the familiar atmosphere.

"You're in a good mood today." Sam said, finally tired of rereading the note, folding it away.

"It's only one week till the Eggfestival. It's my favorite." he replied.

"The Eggfestival? What's that?"

"Right, you're a townsgirl... We come together in the midst of spring to celebrate all the new life around us. Eggs represent it perfectly. Everything is decorated, there will be a banquet in town square and the kids have an egghunt."

"Sounds nice. I'd like to participate in a festival while I'm here."

"Then the follow up should be interesting for you, too. In the last week of spring we have the Flower Dance. You can try for a partner, learn the traditional dance and perform together with the other dancing couples. Everyone who's not married yet is eligible."

"Oh, I'll pass on that one. Maybe as a spectator." she chuckled a bit, trying to mask a flash of unease.

Joel laughed: "Miss, I'm old enough to know this expression. Don't fret. I won't bring it up again. But be aware. This is a rural town. People will watch you. Maybe even ask, what you're up to. It's their favorite pastime.

On that note... What are you up to today? Coming back late again?"

Sam had to laugh hard. The old folks here were unbelievable...
 

Later that day she stood in front of the secluded tower, looming over the treetops. It was sitting on a little cliff. Steps up to the tower were chiseled into its far side, protected by a little protruding ledge of land. On the cliff itself, the wizard had planted some crops and strange fruit. Sam was a bit early and read the note again. What was going to happen today? 

She looked up and turned, as she heard someone approaching. She saw Elliott climbing the last steps and walking towards her. 

“Don't say you, too.” she blurted out. 

He produced a small note similar to Sam's and handed it to her. 

“Someone pushed it through under my door this morning. Have you any idea what is going to happen?”

“I'm afraid, not more than you.” 

“Then we will just wait and see. It is almost time I assume? Shall we knock?” 

Sam nodded. As she raised her arm the door swung slowly open with a deep creaking sound accompanying the motion. A waft of a thick, herbal smell hit them like a brick wall. 

“Come in.” A low voice instructed them. 

The inside of the tower was dimly lit so it took a few moments for Sam's sight to adjust. They stood in a small stone paved room filled with flower pots and various plants. To their left a gap in the wall led to another, even smaller room. In front of them a small flight of stairs led to the main chamber. The old man with the green hair and the bushy beard stood on top and waited for them. 

Sam took the lead. 

“Good day, Sir. Mr. Rasmodius I assume?” 

The old man nodded and showed them a corner to sit. Sam soaked the room in, as they walked across to the old, comfy couch and armchair sitting by the fireside bricked in the back wall. A low table with three cups, a teapot and some biscuits placed on top, standing between them. 

The floor was wooden and creaked with each step. On their left a large cauldron was sitting on his own fireplace, the content bubbling, producing the heavy smell thickening the air in the tower. Windows were darkened to let only a little light through. To their right, they passed a patch of brickwork on the floor with an ornamented circle drawn on top and lots of candles placed around it. Curved shelves with candles, lots of parchment and paper rolled into scrolls or unraveled hugged the round walls. A little alcove on the left side of the room was floored differently. A stand of some sort placed in the middle. In front of them another flight of stairs led into the higher up parts of the tower. 

Rasmodius suggested for Sam and Elliott to make themselves comfortable on the couch, he himself walked over to the armchair. 

As soon as they sat, the wizard addressed Sam. 

“You are nosier than a cat and you listen just as well… 

…May it be as it is, my role in this community is the One of a protector, so I can’t just let you run into your potential demise and…” he looked at Elliott. “take others with you. Furthermore the Junimos have requested your help. So you will do my and their bidding. In return I tell you everything you need to know to maneuver safely through the magical parts of the valley.”

“What do you mean by help?” Sam asked. 

Rasmodius silenced her with a gesture. 

“Just watch and listen.”

He stood up and walked over to the circle on the floor. He lit a few carefully chosen candles and began to mumble foreign sounding phrases. Suddenly a glistening flash of radiant light blinded the spectators temporarily. 

“Argh, you could have warned…” Sam blurted. Elliott nudged her to stay silent. 

The wizard was phased out, going through each line of his incantation with great care. The light faded with his last words and the familiar chirps of a small golden creature greeted them. As their eyes worked again, they could see the Junimo waving. With a happy “Mirrrp” it tried to leave the summoning circle, but bumped into an invisible wall. The high pitched chirps that followed didn't sound nice. The scolding was directed at the wizard and grew louder. 

“Watch your tongue, little one, or I won't let you out.” Rasmodius admonished the creature, but dissolved the barrier anyway. 

The Junimo chirped happily, left the circle and began to waddle towards Elliott and Sam. 

Rasmodius turned his attention back to them as well. 

“This is Sunflower and he's as stubborn as can be. He's nagging me ever since you rescued him, to involve you in our ongoing quest. To my understanding he took matters into his own hands, since I took too long in his opinion. To be perfectly clear. I am not willing to let any stranger, who just came to the valley, in on its secrets after a single short meeting. But somehow you convinced the Junimos to be trustworthy.” He shot the now dancing Junimo a stern look, but was ignored. “You still have to convince me.”

“Why us?” Elliott asked. 

“He likes you. And in the case of your friend, she seems to hold the ability to see magical creatures and communicate to them that she means no harm, even without words. 

Both of you must have some dormant potential. I can't feel it, though. But you were able to walk right through my barrier in the woods without even blinking an eye, so it's not unlikely.”

Elliott laughed a little nervous, uneasy laugh.

“Magic creatures? Okay, I have seen them and will deal with the knowledge of their existence, but having magical potential myself? Me? Us? I am afraid you have lost me.”

“It's not that uncommon. For most people their abilities never awaken, though. And if they do, it's normally something small, insignificant in the grand scheme of things. When you're destined to be a witch or wizard, your powers manifest at a very young age.” Rasmodius answered him. 

“Let us get back to the topic now. You have made yourself known to the Junimos and they have decided that they want your help, so you will help them. And to do so, you must learn to read and speak the language of the woods. 

I've prepared a potion for both of you. It will give you insight.”

He produced two vials with a cloudy green liquid and placed one in front of each of his human guests. 

Sam and Elliott looked first at the potion, then at each other and lastly at the wizard. 

“You don't think, we just drink a random liquid some strange man offers us.” Sam stated.

“Of course, you have all reason to be cautious. But let me say a few things to change your mind. 

First, if I wanted to harm you, I could have done so since you stepped foot into my home. I don't need a potion to do so. 

Second, ask Sunflower. He has put his trust in you. Will you trust us in return? 

Third, there are things out there much more dangerous than me. You need to be prepared for that.”

He took one of the biscuits and began to eat, as he waited for his guests to answer. 

The little Junimo climbed onto the low table and tapped the vials with his little arms and pointed at Sam and Elliott in turn.

“I am not convinced.” Elliott said, eyeing the wizard suspiciously. 

“I am.” Sam had made a decision, took the vial and emptied it in one go. 

“Wait, no!” Elliott was too slow to stop her. 

“Tastes awful, but now you can see what it does and decide then.” she coughed. 

"Why have you done that?" Elliott blurted. The wizard smiled. Sam turnt to Elliott and tried to say something, but all of a sudden her tongue went numb, her vision went blurry and she couldn't hear what Elliott said. All she could feel were his warm hands on her shoulders as she slumped forward. 

The world around Sam went green. The air tasted earthy as trees started to grew all around her. She walked a few steps  and turned around in a full circle to watch as the trees reached for the sky above her head. The newly grown forest started to sway like the trees were dancing. A humming reached Sam’s ears. She followed the sound and reached a small clearing. Underneath the blue sky, the little forest spirits had gathered and were greeting her now.

“Friend? Friend, come.” 

Sam strolled nearer. Beams of warm sunlight falling on her with each step. The spirits resumed the humming. Sam chimed in. It seemed to be the right thing. She started to dance with the little ones. Her feet twirled her around on their own accord. With raised arms and giggling she let herself fall back into the soft, lush grass. Wafts of aromatic spring air washed over her. The spirits danced around her and chirped cheerfully. 

“Friend, friend, new friend… what's your name, friend.”

“Sam, I'm Sam.” she chimed in the singing. 

“Sam, welcome new friend Sam.” the spirits chirped in unison. 

Suddenly the sky grew dark. The spirits scattered. Their high pitched, now screeching chirps sound frightened and alarming. 

“Wait…, wait for me.” Sam screamed while getting up. She stumbled deeper into the forest, following the noises her new friends made. The air got colder. Trees all around her splintered and crumbled to dust. 

She began to run. The darkness was creeping up on her. To her left and right little spirits screamed in agony, as it lashed out to snatch everything it could get hold of. 

Sam was about to turn and help, when a voice thundered in her head:

“DON'T STOP RUNNING!” 

The earth shook. Trees fell. A chasm opened a couple of meters in front of her and grew wider as she neared it. Spirits tried to jump it. Some didn’t make it. The others turned and shouted:

“Friend, come! Friend safe here!”

“JUMP!” the voice in her head screamed, but the tendrils of darkness had already touched Sam.

“No, I can’t. I will fall.” she yelled.

“YOU HAVE TO!” The voice got louder. 

“No, I can't do it, I just CAN'T” she shouted back and came to a full stop. Darkness engulfed her. She sank to her knees as the world around her went dark. 

In the distance faint laughter cut through the silence. It drew nearer and nearer. Sam started to make out silhouettes. The laughter got louder as whoever it was came nearer. 

“Oh, no!” Sam moaned. “Not them. Please, everyone, but them.” 

But they had already seen her. 

“Look, it's the troll! Have you heard what she'd done?”

“From someone looking like that couldn't come anything good.” 

“We should tell everybody.” 

“Oh, please no!” Sam cried. She put her hands on her ears and tried to ignore them, but the voices seemed to be in her head. 

“Everybody must know! We will spread the word. She is done for.”

The laughter grew ever louder. Sam was in a classroom. Around her classmates, strangers, inhabitants of Pelican Town. Everyone was laughing and pointing fingers at her. She tried to sink into the ground. 

“Look, she has done it to him. Next time she kills someone. Nobody needs friends like this.”

“It's the troll! She could be so beautiful, but she doesn't put any effort into it.”

“Like they say. The outside matches the inside.”

“We just pretend to like her. It's more fun this way...”

“LEAVE ME ALONE!” Sam shouted, but the voices didn't stop. They only grew louder and talked all at the same time. 

“YOU HAVE TO FIGHT THIS. IT'S NOT REAL.” The other voice in her head tried to outyell everything else. 

“Please, leave me alone! Go away, all of you!” Sam started to cry. She couldn't handle this. Her hands and knees were shaky. 

There was no will to fight in her. The voices were right. She was unlovable, no matter how hard she tried. And she had done it again. Hurt somebody… 

She sank to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably while she drowned in laughter. A laughter going on forever… 

Out of nowhere she felt the warm, reassuring touch of a hand on her shoulder. 

“Leave her alone. All of you!” a familiar voice yelled at all of the others, laughing at and belittling her. The crowd went silent. Sam dared looking up. It was Elliott who slowly kneeled beside her. 

“You are not alone. Don't ever forget that.” he whispered in her ear. 

The darkness around them seemed to fade.

“How can you be so brazen to order us around?” A man stepped out of the crowd. He looked like an uncanny older version of Elliott himself, with short gray hair and a stern expression burnt into his facial features. He built himself up in front of them, hands stemmed into his hips and glared down on them. 

“Someone should put you back into your place. Nothing you’ll ever do will make you good enough. And nothing you’ll do will convince us otherwise. So do us all a favor and go back into the hole you came from!”

Elliott gulped. Sam could feel his hand trembling. The darkness became thick and heavy once more. The voices screaming at her started up again. The cacophony, however, faded out against the single voice of the man in front of them.

“You’re a disgrace. Never doing as you're told.”

“YOU HAVE TO FIGHT IT! BOTH OF YOU! DON’T STAY THERE! THE VOICES WILL ONLY GET LOUDER!” the disembodied voice called out to both of them this time.

Sam wiped the tears out of her eyes. They were right. She had seen a glimpse of hope. She was not alone and they had to fight the voices together. With his hand on her back she could feel it. Safety… 

She got up pulling Elliott along. 

“You are not alone either.” She said while interlocking her hand with his and squeezing it gently to reassure him. He was still trembling, but stood his ground. 

“Hey, old man Elliott!” She addressed the figure. “I won't let you put him down. Stand aside and let us through.”

“And who are you to interfere?” 

“Who am I? Haven't you heard? A troll, a nuisance… Let's say… I'm the influence he needs to not become you!”

The darkness lifted to a dim light gray. The silhouettes around them went blurry and began to vanish. 

“We're not finished. Mark my words. I'll come for you.” The older Elliott yelled before fading out of existence. 

“Let's get out of here.” Sam said. 

The pale light seeping through the gray showed them a devastated world around them. Trees burnt and still smoking, embers still glowing in the piles of ashes. Wind blew brittle leaves across the plain. The spirits were gone. The rift also. 

Somewhere distant a light shined and drew them in. With nowhere to go to, Sam and Elliott went after the light. They walked in much welcomed silence, after the screaming, bickering and belittling. Neither one let go of the other's hand. 

As they neared the source of light, they could see it was a woman, dressed in the colors of the forest, kneeling in the dirt, letting ash run through her fingers. She mourned the loss. Tears ran down her stained face leaving lighter marks on the way down to her chin. 

Her most prominent features were her fox-like ears and tail. Suddenly her ears twitched. In one smooth motion, faster than their eyes could comprehend, the woman was up on her feet and jumped back. Something missed her by the fracture of an inch. 

The fox-lady wouldn't have it. She countered the attacker with a swift slash of her claws. Whatever the thing was, she pushed it away quite a distance. That gave her enough time to turn to Sam and Elliott who had watched silently in a safe distance. 

She mouthed a silent scream before pointing at their feet. After a circular motion of the woman’s hand Sam could feel a pull downwards. Her feet wouldn't move, as a circle of light formed around them. The pull grew stronger. The next moment they were falling. She lost her connection with Elliott. He was gone. She was falling and falling. 

Sam started to scream. She screamed her heart out…
 

“Sam,... Sam, please wake up. Are you okay?” 

Sam opened her eyes. For a moment she had forgotten where she was. The dimly lit room wasn't familiar, but she remembered the voice. 

“You shouldn't make a habit of catching people with your injured arm.” Was the first thing that came to her mind. 

“What?” Elliott, kneeling beside her and holding her hand was puzzled. “You were out cold and that's the first thing you remember?” 

“Should I remember something?” She asked, puzzled herself. Elliott released her hand. Her palm was sweaty and felt like she'd grabbed onto something really hard for a long time. 

“The little Junimo climbed onto Sam's chest. “Friend Sam okay?” It chirped. 

“Yes, friend okay.” She tried to sit up, but her head started to spin instantly. She laid back again. “Only a bit dizzy.” Her eyes grew wide. It had worked. It really had worked. She could understand the little one. 

“Sunflower help?” The Junimo asked. 

“Let's wait a bit, Sunflower. Normally dizziness goes away by itself.” Elliott interjected. 

“Okay, friend Elliott.” It answered. 

“I thought you didn't want to drink the potion.” Sam was surprised. How comes, you can speak with the Junimo?”

Elliott looked to the wizard kneeling on Sam's other side. She had forgotten about him entirely. 

Rasmodius nodded and took the word:

“I'm afraid something went wrong. You were not supposed to have nightmares with the potion, but soon after you fell asleep, you started to scream and wail. That was not supposed to happen. We couldn't wake you. You wouldn't respond to my voice and free yourself of whatever had gotten hold of you either, so my only option was to send someone into your dreams, to help you. He volunteered without hesitation, when I told him. You really can't remember anything?”

Sam closed her eyes and thought hard about it.

“You cried, you screamed like the devil was right behind you and you nearly crushed my hand with your grip.” Elliott added. “We hoped you could tell us why.”

“I'm afraid, I can't.” 

“Regrettable, but still our main objective worked.” Rasmodius said. 

“Does it mean we can read the scroll now?” Sam asked.

“What scroll?” Rasmodius was curious. 

“The scroll inside the community center. We've made a copy. I brought it with me.”

She tried to sit up again, slowly this time and took the piece of paper out of her pocket unfolding it. “Here, take a look.” The drawing still showed gibberish. Sam and Elliott were disappointed. 

“I'm afraid the language of the forest doesn't want to be copied by people who don't understand it. It's a way the spirits protect themselves from prying eyes. 

But this intrigues me. Let me take a look to see for myself what the Junimos are up to.”

The wizard murmured something and vanished in a flash of light.

“Now he's showing off.” Sam mentioned, looking to the place the wizard just had been. After a few moments she turned to Elliott: “You really drank the potion to help me?”

“Yes.” he simply replied. 

“So you changed your mind without thinking twice?” 

“Seems your reckless behavior rubs off on me. You are a bad influence.” he smirked. 

“Is that why you made me sign the contract yesterday?” 

Elliott hesitated the fraction of a second. 

“Fair.”  he said, still smiling. 

It was not long after, the wizard came back. “It is indeed a help wanted from the Junimos. I never had guessed their wishes to be that concrete. 

He produced a scroll and handed it to them. “I have copied it. Here, it's readable now.”

Elliott took the parchment. The contents read like the shopping list of an eccentric. 

“A mouthful of fresh strawberries for every Junimo? That is probably a lot. Fallen branches and green leaves from cindersap till enough? Sparkly stones of each color? How should we get this?” They were equally baffled by the list. 

“Friend Sunflower can help. Friend Sunflower can show, but Sunflower not strong enough to carry things on own.“ The Junimo chirped happily. “And it only first list!” 
 

Thoughts

 “And whatever you do, don't tell anybody about the Junimos and your quest to help them. They have picked you and only you to help them. Don't abuse their trust!” Elliott could hear the wizard's words loud and clear ringing in his ears.  

Most of the townspeople wouldn't believe them anyway, but he was disappointed that he couldn't even tell Leah. He wanted his best friend in on it, but the wizard had been clear. Anyhow, the knowledge of the magical world around them still freaked him out. He ran his hand through his hair, ruffling  it in the process and sighed. Today had been a truly exhausting experience. 

To fantasize about magical beings, creatures, sorcerers and whatnot was one thing. Seeing parts of it being real was a whole other deal. And even more mind boggling, how the hell had his nightmares been in Sam's dream? It didn't make any sense. Or had it been his dream and her nightmare? If only she could remember some of it. As long as he wasn't sure, he would not tell a soul about all the personal things he had seen, but somehow he had to process all of that. He looked out of the small window facing the sea. The day faded slowly into twilight. Rain had picked up in the early hours of the evening, now falling in veils over the misty sea. 

There was one way he knew… 

He picked up the headset and booted up his computer. If talking about the things happening was no option he could at least write about them, use them as inspiration, incorporate them into his novel. He had a long night ahead of him. 

Pacing up and down in his cabin Elliott tried to put his thoughts down into words. Using the program still felt weird. It was a good workaround for his unusable hand, but he didn't like it. He never would. His fingers flying over the keyboard, the scratching of a pen on the thin paper of one of his notebooks, that was the real deal. Longingly he looked over to a shelf above his desk. Even the inkwell and emerald green duck feather his brother had gifted him had their appeal. 

Talking and seeing his words magically appear on the screen felt wrong. Necessary, but wrong. The other drawback was the big amount of gibberish the program produced. To see his words getting butchered into other words, producing nonsensical sentences unnerved him and if he hadn't noticed some progress with that already, he would have put the program aside. 

The floorboards creaked underneath his feet. Wind rattled at his door and the rain came down in a constant pour, knocking against his windows. It was the kind of weather he relished for writing. The coziness of his small abode paired with hot tea or some coffee when he worked late into the night, gave him a comfortable sense of freedom and safety, while the sounds of the rain, ocean and the old creaky hut, calmed his mind and gave him the opportunity to let his thoughts run free. This was his and his alone. A thing he had achieved on his own, a place hidden from the world he didn't want to go back to.

His last draft was an utter and complete fail. So he decided to start anew. Some of the lines and plot points were salvageable for sure, but not today. First of all he needed this new story to be started. Fostering his ideas, nursing them till they grew strong and into the framework for his novel: 

“Lightning tore the sky asunder. Followed by roaring thunder. Rain poured down relentlessly. The hooded figure grabbed their cloak tighter while stumbling through the storm towards the crooked tower, reaching as tall black finger up into the dark sky. A single window on the ground level  was lit. After a few bangs on the door it creaked open. An old man, bent by age, leaning heavily on a walking stick and holding a blue glowing lantern in his other hand, was standing in the frame. 

~ Master Sherwan I've found it, it is time. ~ The hooded figure said. 

The old man only nodded and hobbled outside. 

~ You've done good, my apprentice. Now take me to the place and let's hope we're not too late. ~

He followed the cloaked person into the night…”

Elliot paused, rubbing his chin with his good hand, thinking.

“Or should I start from Master Sherwans perspective…?” he mused aloud.

Elliott groaned and deleted the last sentence and the letter jumble his sound of dismay had made. He wasn't used to the sensitivity of his headset, yet. Then he started anew:

“Rain knocked heavily against the small windows off the crooked tower. Lightning tore the night sky asunder. The knocking on the old, wooden door was nearly unhearable under the roaring thunder. The old man listened hard to determine the distinct sound. Luckily the knocking was persistent. He took his walking stick and hobbled over. Someone kept hammering against his door with even more vigor. The old man pulled it open. With a loud, deep creak it swung inwards. 

~ Master Sherwan, I found it. It is time. ~ A figure hooded in a dark cloak and wet from head to toe addressed the man. 

The old man nodded. He grabbed a cloak of his own and hobbled outside into the downpour. 

~ Let's go then, and hope we're not too late… ~

Yes, that was better.  

~ They followed a narrow treacherous path into the mountains above. The storm had formed some streamlets that were running over their feet, making the floor muddy and slippery. Old Master Sherwan leaned heavily onto his walking stick while taking cautious steps. The cloaked figure leading the way. The rain became heavier and the air somehow thicker by the time they reached a blind canyon with steep walls:

~ A little further, we need to hurry. ~

They followed the canyon till its end. Parts of the steep stonewall had crumbled into a pile of gravel. A violet light illuminated a large crack in the wall right next to it. 

Tendrils of darkness seeped through and tried to get hold on anything they touched, leaving everything in their way shriveled, withered, dead. 

Old Master Sherwan lifted his staff. A bright, blinding light emanated from its tip. ~ Leave this realm! You have no place here! ~ his voice boomed over the storm. With swift, flowing motions the cloaked figure joined in. Together they fought the tendrils of darkness back. 

~ It's working! We get this!  ~ The younger one cheered both on. 

A deep rumbling laugh, like rolling thunder answered. 

~ Do you really think so? Let me show you what I'm capable of! ~

With a loud boom, lightning struck the pile of gravel and sent the rocks flying. Shrapnels hitting them knocked them to the ground. Disrupting the spellwork. The darkness tried to strike back. It reached for the old man. 

~ Oh no! Master! ~ the young one screamed. 

~ Stay back! ~ the master replied, while getting up. His hand forming a bright glow, protecting him from the tendrils' reach. He turned around and continued: ~ You have been a good student. You have proven yourself tonight. Now it's time for you to pick up the mantle. From tonight on you are the new Guardian. Search for an apprentice. Keep our work alive and keep it from the wrong hands. ~

The old master threw his staff over to his companion and faced the crack and the darkness within. With all his will he summoned an all consuming light and stepped into it. 

Another loud boom deafened his successor and the old man was gone. With him the crack and the eerie light. 

The thunderstorm subsided, but the rain kept falling… 

Elliott, after tweaking his first paragraphs here and there - a bad habit he had to overcome if he'd ever wanted to be efficient - put the headset down. The evening had well matured into the night and the rain had finally ceased.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed some sand out of the inner corners of his eyes. He was tired, exhausted even, but the events of the day had left him restless so he wandered aimlessly around in his cabin, thinking about the events prior. 

The moon had come out and illuminated the outside world. Elliott decided to get out for a bit. 

As he walked his way up to the bridge connecting Pelican Town to the beach he wished, he had taken his scarf with him, but he moved on, deciding to ignore the chill of this early spring night. The town was quiet and dark. He wanted to savor the tranquility of the sleeping valley. Going back seemed like breaking the mood. 

When he reached the crossing by the cemetery, Elliott stopped and looked over to his favorite statue. He sighed. With his hands in his pockets, the head lowered and his eyes fixated on the cobblestones in front of his feet, he walked on. So much had happened since. 

He left Pelican Town and entered the path to the Cindersap. Wet and slippery cobblestones changed for a muddy, worn out path in between the most western houses of the settlement. Without thinking he followed the path he and Sam had walked the first day they went exploring. He stopped when he saw the tree trunk blocking his way on. He knelt and touched the rough bark with his good arm. His fingertips tingled. 

“What am I doing here?” he asked the world in general. 

To his surprise the world answered: 

“You seek answers. The revelations today make feel small and uneasy.”

“Who are you? How do you know?” 

“We voice of woods.”

“So, can you tell me why? Why does it have to be me?”

“You have helped before.”

“That  was Sam primarily. I just happened to be there.”

“Ah, the woman. Will do what can, but needs your help too.“

“I think she is more capable than I will ever be. And she is brave.” 

“You not brave?”

“No, I am not. I hide away or run when things get complicated. I always have.” 

“But you helped when help needed. No thinking twice.”

“That…, that was in the heat of the moment. It just happened and it needed to be done. Everyone would have done it. When I have to make a choice however…”

“Oh, you not make choices then? Here…, in town…, in tower…?”

“That is not what I meant.”

“But it what you did. The choice always you. You choose help and ignore  consequences.”

That remark made Elliott think, but he decided to tuck it away for a later day. Now he hadn't the brain capacity left to ponder such thoughts. 

“I, for worth, glad you made choices you did.” the voice continued.”

“Who are you anyway and how do you know about the things that happened in the town and in the tower?” 

A moment of silence was followed by rustling in the nearby foliage. 

Elliott watched with curiosity as a golden Junimo emerged from the shrubs. 

“Thank for helping our young one.”
 

Before the Egg Festival

Sam awoke sweaty and tired. Her dreams had been some disturbing nonsense she couldn't quite remember. It must have been a remnant of the unsettling experience at the wizard's tower. 

It was quite early, but she couldn't get back to sleep, so she started to make plans about how to tackle the Junimos’ demands. The leaves and twigs certainly were the easiest, but how to get her hands on actual gemstones? This would prove quite difficult or impossible even, so it was a problem for later. She decided to start with the strawberries. The season was right to grow some, if she could get her hands on plants. 

Despite the early hour, Joel was bustling around the kitchen, so Sam decided to have a small breakfast downstairs, instead of taking her food up to her room. 

“Good morning.”

“Ah, lass. You're up early.” 

“Some bad dreams. Couldn't go back to sleep again.” 

“Pity, and on a Sunday nonetheless. Scrambled eggs?”

“I wouldn't say no…”

“Here you go.” He put a plate with a large pile of eggs, warm freshly baked bread and butter in front of Sam and winked. “I always tend to cook too much anyway.”

“Hi Dad, breakfast’s ready?” A lean, young woman with straight black hair that reached to her chin entered the kitchen. 

“Good morning my dear. I just got your coffee going.”

The woman nodded to her dad and sat down beside Sam.

“Morning Sheila”, Sam said in between two bites. “you're up and running awfully early, too.”

“Up, yes. Running only after my breakfast. The buffalos need some tending before I open my shop, so I have to be awake around this time every day. You get used to it.” As if to emphasize her point, she yawned heartily. 

“Sounds lovely.” Sam answered in a slight sarcastic manner, Sheila only shrugged. 

“So, how was your date? Would have hated the chaperone though.” Sheila asked nonchalantly and caught Sam off guard. She choked and had to cough violently, before she was able to answer:

“I'm sorry, what date?” 

“On friday, with the author. He's quite the hotty, dressed up like that.”

Sam relaxed. For a moment she'd thought the other women had seen them entering or leaving the tower together. 

“Oh no, we aren't a thing. He's just a friend. I had a run-in with Leah the other day, so he tried to mediate.”

“You seemed awfully smitten by him, though.” Sheila mused. 

Sam didn't bother to answer, but couldn't help but smile a little. 

“Ha! I knew it.” Sheila exclaimed. 

Sam grew a faint red tint around her nose. That was enough. She decided to turn the tables:

“And how about you?” she asked. 

“What about me?” 

“The blond boy, you've set your eyes on. Have you asked him out yet?”

Sheila grew red as a tomato in an  instant, but kept her mouth shut. Joel sighed:

“See, you're not as stealthy as you think.”

“Dad!” 

Sam snickered: “So, change of subject?”

Sheila nodded and shoved a fork full of egg into her mouth. 

“So does anyone of you know where I can buy some strawberries or strawberry plants?” Sam asked. 

“Pierre sells some on the day of the egg festival. I would start saving up if you want some, though. Strawberries aren't native here and Pierre takes off the living.” Joel answered. 

Sam sighed. She wasn't going to admit it, but her stunt with the program had left her bank account dry. Maybe Gunther would let her put an extra shift in…

-

“It's so nice of you to help us, Samantha. Most newbies aren't this involved in our traditions.” The short sturdy woman with the thick brown side braid put down another basket full of freshly boiled eggs in the middle of the large table. 

“I'd be glad if Abigail would participate more in the preparations, not just the egghunt.” Caroline said to the room at large and earned a few snickers. 

“No prob. It's an opportunity for me to get to know all of you a bit better. And I've got to admit, I let myself be bribed.” She winked, the thought of not having to pay Pierres horrendous prices for the strawberries, elevated her spirits. “I prefer Sam by the way.”

“Oh no, you won't get me to call you Sam. I would have to think of Jodi's boy all the time.” The woman with the eggs replied. Jodi, a middle aged, slightly taller woman with long light brown hair woven into a thin braid, snickered. “Marnie, I think we can tell the difference between these two. This Sam is way more mature than my Samson.” 

“Except for the taste in hairstyle, I'd say.” Caroline chimed in. Sam raised an eyebrow, looking at Caroline's bright green hair, tied back in two pigtails. 

“Hey don't look at me that way. It's all natural.”

“No way!” Sam said

“It’s always looked this way. As long as I remember.”

“I can vouch for it.” Jodi said.  “We have known each other since we were little girls.”

“So, you were bribed to help us? By whom and for what?” Marnie changed the subject. 

“Pierre told me, you need a helping hand. So I asked him for some strawberry plants in return. Just a few to keep in a plant pot on my windowsill.”

“If it's so easy to get you to help, I may try it myself sometime.” Marnie mused. 

Sam snickered: “I’ll hold you to that, if I need a load of fresh eggs.” She had a sneaking suspicion that Junimo’s list might have all kinds of stuff on it. However, the thought brought some other questions to mind. The wizard had told them to keep their involvement with the spirits a secret. So how much did the inhabitants of the Valley know about the magic around them? Jasper seemed to be quite knowing and the doctor  at least knew about monsters. 

Would they stand out with all the things they needed and all the time they would spend in the old building? She decided to test the water cautiously. The truth provided the best cover for her questions, not looking too suspicious:

“Have I told you why I'm here? I am writing my thesis about the history of the valley. So, can I ask you some stuff?”

“Sure”, Marnie said. “We're glad to help.”

Sam nodded: “So, what about the mines? Since when are they abandoned by miners and are there really monsters down there? The mayor at least hinted at that and Elliott said I could get seriously hurt down there.”

The three women exchanged a quick glance with one another. Caroline gave Marnie a barely visible nod and took the word:

“Yes, the mines are dangerous. Nobody from town goes there, only the lunatics from the adventures guild. But when it comes to dangerous…” she paused, trying to figure out how to go on. “We want to talk to you about your author guy.”

Sam raised an eyebrow: “What about him?” 

“The thing is…” Caroline continued. “his reputation isn't exactly the best. He's been acting strange ever since he came here, keeps to himself mostly, but acts like he's better than us when he's out. And on top of that, nobody knows where he came from or even his last name. He won't answer any questions about himself. Just showed up one day. All high and mighty with this posh attitude. You should keep your distance. You heard what happened to Haley?”

Sam gritted her teeth. Here we go, she thought, he had warned you, but to achieve their goal she had to see it through:

“Yes, I know about the confrontation between Haley and him. He told me himself. Not cool how he handled it, but he was upfront about it, so I won't hold it against him.”

Hearing that the other women looked concerned, shaking their heads. 

“Also not cool from Haley either to begin with.” Sam continued, “You can't just film someone without their consent and ignore the request to delete the footage.” Sam answered as calmly as she was able to. After she finished she took a few deep breaths to calm herself down. She could feel her voice getting shaky. Sam didn’t like being confrontational, especially about things she considered private affairs and she surely hadn't expected to justify her being with Elliott in her free time. Especially since the younger townsfolk were mostly indifferent about him. She could feel the anger growing in her chest.. She tried to calm herself down even harder. 

“And about his past: Have you actually talked to him? I mean really talked to him and listened?” she asked a bit louder than necessary. “I know for a fact, we went to the same university.” 

“But you have to agree he's kinda weird. Talking about nonsense all the time, putting strange ideas into our children's heads and acting pretty disconnected from the rest of us.” Caroline chimed in. 

“What nonsense and what ideas?” Sam asked bluntly. Her hand, hidden under the table, clenched into a fist. 

“Since my daughter bought some of his poems at the Ridgeside Gathering, she runs after castles in the sky even more as usual. Encouraged her to chase impossible dreams. All of the guys associated with the library are like that, I think. Head in the clouds, dreaming, telling others everything is possible, even if it's not…” Caroline stretched ‘everything’ like an over chewed gum, while talking, “And need I remind you, he has dragged you into the forest and both of you came back hurt.” she said. Surely some kind of ‘romantic’ endeavor that went horribly wrong. 

All of the women were startled as Sam started to laugh:

“You know nothing! No wonder he’s not connecting with you. You assume and don't even have your facts straight…, but you're pretty quick to judge!”

Everyone looked at her eyes wide open, mouths agape, as she continued to laugh like a maniac:

“Here is something for you to judge: I dragged us into the forest! I wanted to explore the valley! He accompanied me. So I am responsible for getting us hurt… I broke his arm!”

The cat was out of the bag. Let these women think of her, whatever they liked. She stood up and began to pack up her things. 

The women looked at each other, then to Sam as if she had lost it. 

“We just want you to be careful, that's all.” Marnie tried to salvage the situation after an uncomfortable amount of silence. Before someone else could say anything, Sam rushed out of the door…

-

“Then she laughed as if we said the funniest thing in the world. It's unbelievable how delusional this girl is.” Caroline uttered. “She even defended him. Like how in the world could she be responsible for their injuries?”

Pierre chewed and swallowed the piece of pork roast he had just cut before answering:

“He must have manipulated her somehow. Have you asked her about the thing she had to sign? Maybe she isn't allowed to say something bad about him?”

“Or maybe, you’re demonizing an innocent guy?” Abigail, who normally kept out of her parents' discussions, suggested. 

“It's none of your business. You lack experience with such things anyway.” Pierre warned her.

“Haley's waving her phone into everybody's faces these days. She even filmed that poor woman. Just sayin… “

“We didn’t ask for your opinion, Missy. Are you finished…?” he gestured to her empty plate. ”Go to your room and study. Let the adults talk.”

“Hrmpf.” She rolled her eyes, got up and left the kitchen. 

“That's what I'm talking about. What's with that attitude? It has to be that romantic nonsense she read in these poems.” Pierre said. 

“Anyway, where were we? Ah, the signature… Have you asked?”

“I hadn't had the chance and I think she won't tell me now, not with how she stormed out on us.” Caroline answered. 

“Not good… Can you at least try to rope her back in and keep her occupied with the festival?”

“I'll take a strawberry plant to her, as an apology and see what I can do. And you’ll talk to Lewis again?” 

“A nice bottle of wine and a few discounts and I bet he will leave a few papers in the open for me to sneak a peek…”

-

The week went by and the egg festival was almost upon them. Elliott had seen Sam only once, when she brought a strawberry plant Caroline had given her. Something had conspired on her first meeting with the women. Leah had told him she had seen her walk away angrily from Marnie’s in the middle of the afternoon, but Sam had not told him and he would not pry this time. Eventually she had rejoined the women and they had finished the preparations. All in all she seemed to like to work on the festival, even though it had her busy up to her ears. He sighed. She was a lot braver than him and already fit in a lot better than he ever would. But maybe, just maybe he could change that. 

The talk with the golden Junimo had made him think. Could he be the person he longed to be, not just the coward he was now? To ignore consequences was easy, if you were not aware of them. Knowing what you have to face is a whole lot different. And without any incentive to stay and fight, he had chosen to bail more than once in the past. University, the move to the valley… Hell, he had chosen to keep separate from the townsfolk instead of standing up for himself. It was high time to do something about that. 

At least his story was coming along. Working with the program got easier every day and he was proud of his draft so far. The last days had his creative juices flowing and he had filled page after page. A sudden thought made him smile. He fetched his phone and clumsily typed with his left: “Are you free tonight? I want to show you something. Come around by 8pm”

He tucked the phone away and got up from his desk. It was almost midday and the sun was shining through the small window into his cabin. The day was too nice to stay inside. Wistfully he grabbed his notebook and ran his thumb over the worn out cover: “Soon, old friend…” he whispered under his breath and put it back down. 

When he left the cabin the familiar salty smell of the sea greeted him. He took a deep breath taking it all in and took a few steps down to the waterline. The water reflected the sunlight in a million sparkles. Seagulls screamed high up in the air. This was the reason he chose to live here. He loved the sea with all its sounds and smells. Treacherous and beautiful sea… 

How could he have forgotten? 

Elliott took his shoes and socks off. The cold water washed around his bare feet. 

He walked around in the wet sand, leaving footprints only for them to be washed away with the next oncoming wave. A piece of ocean glass caught his eye and he picked it up. Holding it up against the sun, the milky blue glass caught the light and seemed to glow from within. When was the last time he had been able to enjoy one of these small moments? A smiling face flashed before his inner eye. 

“Thank you.” he murmured, while pocketing his little treasure. 

-

“Thank you for coming.” Elliott greeted a yawning Sam, as she entered his home.

“You look tired. Are you alright?”

Sam nodded: “In between work and the preparations for the festival I've got almost no time for myself. It was a hard bit of work to convince the women that I wasn’t going to the saloon today. They wanted to have a drink together, even though we're supposed to be in the townsquare by 5am tomorrow.”

She watched Elliott nod once and decided not to tell him of her suspicions. Instead she looked around. 

It was the first time she actually set foot inside the cabin. The small space was cramped. Barely any light shone through the small old, almost blind windows. One back corner was occupied by a desk with his laptop and a printer on top. Pens and single sheets of paper were strewn across. In a small pot a single rose was planted. A lot of crumpled paper in and around a bin underneath the table gave evidence of his failed writing attempts. Next to the desk, an old upright piano was placed against the wall, a picture of two young, smiling, red-haired boys standing on top. A small shelf running over with books spanned the distance to a dresser protruding into the room, acting like a partition wall. Behind it, his bed stood in the corner farthest from the entrance. A door in the short wall beside the bed presumably led to a small bathroom. In the last corner sat a kitchenette consisting of a small portable stove with two hotplates, a small fridge and a countertop with a few cooking utensils and an electric kettle. Every free space on that side of the room was also packed with shelves of books. Every part of the room could be reached in a long step or two. 

“Cozy.” Sam uttered while she looked around. Her view lingered on the photo. “You?” she asked. 

Elliott followed her gaze. 

“Yes, the one with the broad tooth gap. The other is my younger brother.”

“You  could be twins from what I see.” 

“He has more from our mother’s side. It became more obvious the older we got.” Elliott said with a hint of bitterness in his voice. Sam raised an eyebrow, but let it slide. She laughed a bitter laugh instead. 

“What did I say?” Elliott was irritated. 

“Nothing, or rather… you have. That's the point… You know, the women tried to warn me about you and your strange ways. Being all secretive. Acting high and mighty… I think these were their words.”

“Figures. I hoped they would have gotten over it by now, but alas my dream is still to come true.”

“They tried to convince me that you're a dangerous predator.”

“But I am, have you not figured that out by now?” He held his good hand like a claw and pretended to jump Sam. “Rawr!” 

“Stop it, tiger!” 

“I prefer lion. Have you seen my mane?” He shook his hair dramatically. 

“Ah, the lazy cat who lets his women do all the work and steals prey and carrion from others…” she laughed. 

“Damn it. I should have known better…” he laughed too. After a few moments he got serious again:

“I am not sure I should show up tomorrow. Friday night in the saloon is one thing. Tomorrow the whole valley is supposed to be here and they clearly still hold my mistakes against me.”

“You're overthinking. I'd say most of the people here aren't even remotely interested in you or your mistakes. Sheila, the daughter of the owner of the boarding house even told me how nice you looked in your red dress coat.”

“Really?” 

“Not her exact words, but down that line, yes.” Sam blushed a little and hoped he wouldn't notice. A little smirk on his face showed her, he had not only noticed, he had understood. 

“So, why did you invite me?” She quickly changed the subject. 

He smiled, walked over to one of the shelfs and grabbed a binder sitting in the top row. 

“You wanted to read my stuff. Do you remember?” 

Sam nodded, now grinning. 

“This is the outline of my new story. With a few chapters, little parts, the characters and scenes throughout already done. I know it is not much at the moment, but I got there and I want you to look through everything and give me your honest opinion.”

He held out the binder to Sam, who took it with a little hesitation. 

“Are you sure?” She asked, touched by the trust he’d just shown her. “I mean, you said, you're private about your unfinished pieces. Wouldn't it be better to show it to Leah?”

“I need a pair of fresh eyes on my writing. Leah likes everything I write by default.” He snickered. “She can not write prose and is therefore afraid of having an opinion. I…

I hope I can count on your honest critique?”

“Absolutely!” 

“It is a deal then.” he held out his hand. Sam shook it. 

“Deal!”

“Then I will not keep you any longer. We will see each other tomorrow…” he opened the door for her. 

“Oh, wait! I almost forgot.” he fetched something small from his pocket and handed it to her. 

“What is this?” Sam asked, looking at the milky blue, translucent stone in her hand. 

“A piece of ocean glass I found earlier today, which I find particularly beautiful. I want you to have it.”
 

The Egg Festival

Sam had been up early on the day of the festival and was helping with last minute preparations. Right now she was hiding eggs for the egg hunt. 

After the clash with the other women she hadn't been keen on spending time with them again, but Caroline had apologized sincerely, listened to her side of the story and gifted her a strawberry plant early. Sam had opted to see the week through. Now Elliott had one and she would keep the second, so they could share tending to the plants. 

Sam yawned heartily. 

“How are you tired? You missed all the fun yesterday by leaving so early.” Jodi asked. 

“I still had to get up at 4am and yesterday, there were still a few things to do…”, Sam yawned again, “for Gunther, he asked me to read through some old issues of the Grampleton Post for him”, she added as she caught Marnie sharing an inconspicuous look with Caroline. 

“But you've told us, you don't work on weekends, and the museum is closed today, anyway”, Caroline said.

“Normally I don’t, that's right. But he lent me some books I need for my research in return so I couldn't say no.”

Caroline nodded, not quite believing Sam, but leaving her to finish her work. 

The younger woman was glad for the alone time. She had no interest in socializing any further with the older women in town, but didn't want to escalate the conflict more and she still had half a basket to hide. Keeping her mind on the lookout for good spots to do so, she tried to push down the nagging feeling of unease the conversations and looks had given her. 

No wonder Abigail kept winning the egg hunt, she thought and shook her head, while putting an egg in a little nook, right in the line of sight of the smaller children, but invisible from above. Most of the eggs Marnie and Shane had put down were barely hidden. Abigail would look around for sure before the hunt started. 

-

“I do not know if I should even be here”, Elliott told Leah, who rolled her eyes. 

“You're unbelievable. Make up your damn mind! Do you want to insert yourself back into the community or don't you?”

“I do, but everyone is here and I do not feel ready.”

“You'll never be, if not pushed. I know you. So stop whining and let's go.” Leah practically dragged him to the nearest group of people. 

Begrudgingly Elliott followed. If they were not such fast friends, he would not have her talking to him in such a way. Deep down he knew she was right, though. He needed the nudge. 

Elliott looked around. The town's square was decorated extensively with spring flowers. Garlands and colorful flags flapping in the wind. Large tables straining under the amount of food piled upon them. 

There was Pierre in his little stall, selling his precious strawberries and cheesy decorations. Shane, the town's drunk and the young man working at Pierre's standing beside him, talking. For a moment Elliott had the feeling of being eyed by them, but he couldn’t see them actually look in his direction. He must have imagined it. A group of people flocked around the punch bowl. Some in vivid discussion with Pam, the other alcoholic Elliott knew of. Her daughter Penny was blushing in a deep shade of red, surely wishing to be somewhere else. Maybe Pam had tried to spike the punch again? 

After an incident with drunken children two years ago, the whole town kept an eye on the former bus driver. 

Leah steered towards Robin and her daughter Maru. The carpenter and Leah had a common interest in woodworking, even though they approached it on a whole different level. Maru was in deep conversation with the electrician from Ridgeside. Elliott searched his brain for the man's name. He had seen him on occasions, fixing the public light work in town, but he couldn't remember ever having talked to the long haired man with the brown leather jacket. 

The electrician introduced himself as Kenneth and turned back to the conversation with Maru, ignoring Elliott. He watched Leah and Robin discussing something rather uninteresting to him. From his other side he heard the mention of robotics a few times, but most of it flew over his head, so his mind started to wander. 

Yes, he had been clearly overreacting. Nobody seemed to care if he was here or not. A pity, Gunther and Jasper weren't here. Both of them seemed even more recluse than himself. When exactly had he become a recluse anyway? Not during university, that was for sure. It must have happened slowly over time since he'd been in Pelican Town. Or was it the break up? 

Yes, he had sought after solitude for the purpose of writing, but he was sure he had kept it in a healthy balance with his social life. At least he had thought so right till the incident in the cemetery had happened. Elliott watched his friend debate eagerly with Robin about the perfect tools to carve into softwood and felt a pang of guilt. He had canceled on Leah way too many times in the past two years. But she had stuck with him nonetheless. How often had she sacrificed moments like that for him and his shenanigans? And how had… 

“Hey, Elliott!...”, a hand waved before his eyes, baffling him briefly. 

“Sorry, I was not listening.” 

“I figured as much. Coffee?” The doctor had walked over and held a second cup in front of Elliott's face. “You look tired, so I thought you might want some. How are you?”

“Thank you”, Elliott took the cup out of Harvey's hand. “I am a lot better now”, He took a sip of the steaming hot liquid with the bitter taste.

“Actually, I am more of a tea guy, but I have not gotten much sleep last week”, he grinned impishly, as Harvey looked alarmed.

“Is the wrist acting up?” he asked. 

“A little bit, not as much as it has. But that is not the reason. I am ‘writing’ again. Sam figured out a workaround for my injured hand and I have been able to continue my novel.” He looked to the others of the group, making sure they were still locked in their own conversations and leaned a bit nearer towards Harvey:

“That thing in the woods, it opened my eyes to a whole new world and sparked my imagination.”

Harvey chuckled a bit and didn’t even bother to lower his voice, before he answered: “You needn’t worry about the women listening in. When they talk about their passions, they aren’t very receptive to anything else. With Maru I learned the hard way. They know about the slimes by the way. Most of the villagers do. You occasionally have some creep out of the infested parts of the forest or the upper levels of the mines. So it's not so uncommon to see one. It's the things lurking deeper that should not be mentioned. I've patched up enough adventurers to see for myself”, he paused a moment before changing subjects: “Mrs. Vaughn and you made up? It's good to hear. I think it's best if you work through that traumatic event together. How is she anyway? She hasn't yet responded to my offer to talk about what happened and I'm concerned for the impacts on her mental health.” 

“She seems fine to me. Much more composed than I. I think she is quite headstrong and will not falter easily. Where is she anyway? I have not seen her yet”, Elliott looked around, searching. With the colorful hairdo, Sam shouldn't be missable, but she eluded him so far. 

In the middle of town's square, Lewis and his sister Lenny talked to an elderly lady in a lilac, old fashioned dress who wielded an aura of sternness like a weapon. A silver haired man, slightly younger, in a plain black suit with a white button down shirt and white gloves standing beside her, emphasizing her importance and wealth. Elliott shuddered. He knew this type and he wasn't keen on meeting someone like that again. 

Time moved on and the crowd grew denser. Leah and Robin were still discussing their trade. How was there so much to talk about woodwork? Kenneth had left and Maru now talked to Harvey about something medicinal. So Elliott decided to leave the table to actively search for Sam. Maybe she had looked at his manuscript already. The thought of discussing his writing with his friend elated him. After a while he saw her with another young woman exiting the saloon, arms full with supplies. 
 

“...it's fun and the last bit of my childhood an’ I'm not ready to give up on it yet. Ma an’ dad want me to become like one of the old timers myself. Respectable an’ boring. They don't ask what I want. Too young to make my own decisions, too old to enjoy things they deem childish...”

“Hello my fair ladies, am I interrupting something?”

“Oh, Elliott, you made it”, A bright smile formed on Sam's face as she saw him and answered:  “I just asked Abby why she's still participating in the egg hunt.” Abigail nodded and Elliott fell in line with them as they walked on. 

“Where are you headed?” he asked. 

“Just to the tables on the far side of the square. Caroline made us run errands the whole morning.”

“Ma's just that way. The festivals are her little babies. And you?”

“I was looking for her”, he nodded towards Sam. “I am curious if you took a peek into the text?”

“Oh, you’re writing again?” Abigail beamed at him. Any new short stories or poems in the pipel…”

“Hey!”

Startled by the sudden yell they stopped walking and looked up. Pierre with Shane and Sterling in tow came running. Elliott was bewildered as Pierre wedged himself between him and the women, pushing the author aside in the act. 

“Stay away from our women!” he yelled directly into Elliott's face. We can't have someone like you around! Scum!” hatred dripping from his every word. 

Shane and Sterling lined up on either side of Pierre, blocking Elliott further. 

“Wh…?”

“You heard me, stay away! Filthy spy!” 

“What are you talking about?” Elliott heard Sam exclaim and saw her trying to make her way around the men, but she was blocked by Sterling, who stated something about being safe with him. 

“Dad! What are you…?”

“Shut up!” 

“Da… “

“Not a word, missy! I talk and nobody else!”

Elliott was confused. What was happening here? Spy…what?

He looked at Pierre, then caught another glimpse of Sam who tried to free herself from the wall of men. She looked as shocked as he felt. 

The commotion drew attention from the surrounding bystanders. Leah ran over. The co-mayors and the old woman kept their distance, but watched intrigued. 

Pierre seemed to have waited for an audience to build up:

“You're one of those filthy Gotorans and your sole purpose for being here is to sell us out! That's why nobody knows anything about you!” 

“Ouch!” 

With a thud Sterling fell to the ground, rubbing his chin. Sam had landed a forceful punch against him and made her way over to Elliott:

“First of all, I’m not your woman! And what the hell are you talking about?!” He watched her turning and screaming at Pierre now: 

“What the fuck made you come up with that shit? He’s no spy! We studied at the same university, for Joba's sake! And Leah, too! If you'd actually taken the time to talk to him…”

“This man doesn’t exist! Tell them!” Pierre interrupted, facing Elliott. Grimm determination in his features.

“There are no records of him! He just showed up!”

“You can’t be serious! That’s a hell of an accusation based on nothing!“ Sam barked back.

The people surrounding them gasped and stared. The whole thing was too good and it was going to get juicy. But Pierre wasn’t done. He looked at her in disdain:

“Nothing you say? He doesn’t have a credit card, always pays cash. Who does that besides people who have something to hide?” he snarled. “What name has he signed on this Joba ridden contract of yours? I bet he used a fake name!” 

“That’s none of your business.”

“Okay then. But the safety of my daughter is  my business and I don’t want that filth near her. We don’t need a gotoran spy in our midst. And I tell you that: There is no man called Elliott Macavoy! No records exist about him!” he stared Elliott in the face:

“Tell her! And don’t deny it. I’ve reliable sources, so don’t even try.”

A winning smile formed on Pierre's face, while Elliott stayed silent in horror. Overwhelmed by the shop keepers' accusations. He saw Sam slowly turn to face him. Her expression unreadable.

Elliott could feel the blood draining from his face. His mind began to race, but not a single straight thought came out. He felt his legs turn wobbly and stuttered some incomprehensible things. 

“See, he can't even speak straight!” Pierre was gloating triumphant. 

“No one I know speaks so weirdly. All these fancy words… He can't be from around here!” Pam chimed in, clearly exhilarated by the scene unfolding. 

Elliott looked at the shocked faces around him. Even Sam who had been nothing but supportive so far watched him like he was an alien. A sharp pain, like a knife stabbed right into his heart, ran through his chest, as he saw the look on her face. All eyes on him, he crumbled. 

“I… I… I am sorry!” was all he could muster. Before anyone else could say another word, he turned and started to stumble towards the little bridge down to the beach. He bounced into someone blocking his way. 

“Wait!” Harvey smiled reassuringly while putting a hand on Elliott's shoulder.

“I vouch for this man! He is no Gotoran and definitely not a spy.” he said. 

“But he has secrets. Why won't he tell us who he is?” a sturdy man with a weathered face and bushy beard in a blue overall and a Joja cap came over. 

“I hate to side with Pierre, but he's right. Nobody goes with a fake name without something on his agenda.”

“I assure you Andy, you've nothing to worry about…”

“No, good doctor, I have something to worry about! This valley is a peaceful place and we depend on each other. A person like him will cause problems.”

Murmurs and words of approval could be heard, whilst Pam, Jody, Caroline, Clint, the flirtatious young farmer from Ridgeside, who regularly visited the beach and the bitter bald old man, who Corinne had said was her father, positioned themselves behind Pierre and his cronies. 

“How is he causing trouble? He has saved a life for Yoba’s sake! So what does a name matter, as long as the person behind it is sincere? I, for what it's worth, trust him. He gave me no reason not to.” Sam had found her voice again and stood beside Elliott, speaking loudly.

“Yeah, don’t talk smack about my best friend. None of you has even tried to get to know him. So shut the fuck up! And for you Andy, should I tell some of the things I've seen on your farm?” Leah joined the three and glared at Pierre and the others. “So, leave the man his privacy.”

“Harvey, tell me. How do you know, he is no foreign agent?” Pierre, ignoring Leah, asked seemingly nonchalantly, but Elliott, who was only able to stand there and watch the horror unfold in slow motion, noticed the twitching vein right over his left temple. Panic flared up in Elliott. He had been forced to tell Harvey the truth when it came to his insurance. The doctor never struck him like someone who would run and tell, but he couldn't be sure. Especially now.  When the doctor insisted on his vow and the confidentiality between him and his patients, Elliott dared to breathe again. 

He suddenly felt the warmth from Harvey and women standing with him. Could it be, he wasn’t alone after all? The words spoken by both sides became irrelevant. He dared to look around and realized some other villagers on their side. The innkeeper from East Scarp with her straw hat and the long blue tresses, Maru, Penny, to the dismay of her parents - Abigail. How had she gotten away from her father? He must have missed it.

Lewis and Lenny kept their distance, but their guest, the old lady with the aristocratic demeanor, looked at him intensely. Elliott felt a cold chill running down his spine. Something about her unnerved him. He tried to shake it off and focused again on the people, arguing on his behalf. If he wanted to change something about the way he was perceived in Pelican Town, this was the time. He took a deep breath, swallowed down his growing anxiety and spoke up:

“Could you please stop talking above my head? I am right here, you know.”

The people around him stopped talking and looked at him.

“Yeah, I’d like for you to clarify things for us!” Pierre said, still glaring. 

Elliott's hands were shaking, his breath quickened again, but this time, he stood his ground. His gaze wandered from Pierre's face to the ones next to the shopkeeper, then to Lewis and back to Pierre again, while he collected his thoughts. It was now or never:

“I just want to live here in peace. Yes, I have made mistakes. I try to redeem myself. Give me the chance. You may think I am strange for all my mannerisms and the way I speak, but that is just who I am.” Elliott looked over to Pam and some of the bystanders watching the spectacle.

“Gus, I know you take me for a high-headed buffoon, who does not even care enough to remember your name. You do not have to believe me, but it was never my intention to offend you.”

The saloon owner nodded slightly. 

“Haley,” the blond put down her camera and looked at him directly. “You do not have to like me or even forgive me for my behavior in the cemetery. I tried to make amends and paid for the damage. I would appreciate it, if both of us could at least interact like the adults we are. 

I am a private man. I do not like to be in photographs or being filmed. Please, accept that and I will not bother you ever again.

To all of you.” Elliott looked around and tried to make eye contact with as many villagers as possible. “I presented myself as kind of a loner to you. You have not yet gotten the chance to know me well. I thought being alone without many distractions was the way to finish my book. My friend here” he gestured to Sam. “proved me wrong. Even though she was ridiculed for it...

Give me a chance and I will try my best to become a part of the community.”

“Empty words… You can start by telling us who you actually are.” Pierre insisted, still hooked on his accusation.

“I think we had enough of this!” Harvey interjected loud and firm before Elliott could answer. “Leave this man be. I can assure you, his reasons are purely personal, so none of it is your business. So stop assaulting him, for Yobas sake!”

“I’m with the doctor on that! Leave this man be”, a middle aged man wearing military garb and an unruly, short hairdo in a dirty blond shade, stepped in. “Gotorans are no fools. Believe me, they won’t have someone so unprepared working undercover…” 

-

Elliott closed the door behind him and collapsed to the floor, he felt sick, his heart pounding like crazy.  A wave of nausea flooded over him. What had just happened? How the hell had Pierre found out? Nobody could know or his dream would be over. He wanted to lay on the floor forever, sinking into the ground. Let the nightmare be over. Instead he pushed himself into a sitting position and leaned his head against the wooden door behind him and listened. Silence… 

After this display today, he had expected to hear half the townsfolk running down to his abode, pitchforks and torches ready to drive him out of the valley. 

He calmed down a bit, when nothing of this sort happened. The consequences could be dire enough. The sickness subsided a bit while he was waiting for anything to happen. He didn't know how much time had passed, when faint footsteps announced someone approaching his cabin.

“Hey, can I come in?” Sam's familiar voice accompanied her knocking. Elliott flinched, hearing her behind the door. Putting his hand on his forehead he sighed. Of course, she would want to know what his spiel was. He didn't know if he had enough energy left to deal with that right now, but was the alternative any better. Sending her away now would surely lead to more questions later. 

“One moment.” he answered and got up on shaky legs. 

After letting Sam in, he locked the door and sank down again. Sam sat down opposite to him.

“Are you here to ask me about my real name?” he asked bluntly. Sam looked him straight in the eyes and smiled sheepish. A knot formed in Elliotts stomach. For a moment he regretted letting her in. He watched while she rummaged in a messenger bag she'd brought. 

“I'd lie if I'd say, I ain't curious. But I stand by what I said earlier. The person you ARE matters, so I won't ask, unless you'd like to tell me yourself. I just thought you might need some company. Today was pretty intense. You look awful by the way.” She smiled impishly and produced a bottle of pale ale and a can of coke.

A weight was lifted from Elliott's shoulders. He tilted his head back and chuckled with relief: 

“Do you actually know how good it is for me to know you?”

She handed over the ale before she answered: “I see myself more as a liability. You would've less problems with me around.”

“Pierre would have found something to complain about sooner or later.”

“I’m wondering what’s with him anyway. He really seems to hate you. I mean, he tried to talk me out of searching for you in the first place, when I still had your notebook and after today… he wasn’t listening to anything said.”

“It is mutual. I can not stand that man. Have you seen how he treats Abigail? He is a greedy prick and represents all I hate in a parent. He reminds me too much of my father.”

“Your father?”

“Nothing I want to talk about.”

“Noted. And what’s his problem with you?”

“He and Caroline think I corrupted their daughter, so for them I am the worst there is. They do not take into account that Abigail is her own person with her own agenda.”

“And you corrupted her, how?”

“She is an adventurous spirit, so she is drawn to my more fantastical scriptures and the texts in which I dare to challenge authority… The other problem might be her taste in men.”

“Huh?”

“Abigail is drawn to older, more mature men. It seems to me, Pierre and Caroline think I took advantage of their daughter.” Elliott blushed as a flash of realization flickered in Sam’s eyes and braced himself for the inevitable question coming. 

“You haven’t, have you?”

“No, I have not. I admit she is easy on the eye, but we differ over ten years in age. She is too young, barely an adult from my point of view. I also went through an unpleasant break-up shortly before I came here. I am not ready for a new relationship anyway…

But it does not matter. They believe neither me nor her.”

“I’ve talked to Abby a bit today and she doesn’t strike me as an irresponsible airhead.”

“Her parents see that differently. As far as I see it, Caroline and Pierre want to squeeze her into a corset made of their own beliefs. They can not have their daughter run free and be herself.

“That happened to you, too?”

Elliott didn’t answer.

“I’m sorry, I overstepped.”

Elliott sighed: “No, it is okay. I am simply not used to someone other than Leah actually listening to me ranting and coming to such acute conclusions.” He shifted a little uncomfortably and took a hearty sip from his bottle. 

After a few moments of pondering in silence, Elliott made up his mind.

“I might as well tell you. You will find out eventually…” he scratched his head, trying to figure out how to continue best. “I am afraid of people digging up my family connections. I did not part with my family on good terms, more like ran away, really. And I do not want them to find me. So, I trust very few people with my personal information, like my surname or where I was born.”

“How did you manage to rent this shack?”

“My little cabin? Easy really. Leah helped me convince Lewis that he would not need my ID. I paid a bit extra for a no questions asked policy.”

“Do you think he could be Pierre's source?”

“He might be. I bet, for the right amount of money, he would sell the whole valley. But it does not matter if he is the source or not. After today, I fear all the secrecy was for naught. Haley has filmed the whole show for her blog.” he sighed.

“Leah is talking to her right now. She said she could handle it.” 

Elliott raised an eyebrow hearing that: “Oh, does she… Anyway, the most pressing matter is: How should I go on? Apparently half the town hates me.”

“I don’t know. Ignore Pierre and live up to the things you said earlier?”

Elliott stared at the bottle in his hand, trying to think up an answer he didn’t have. To be honest, he was afraid. Afraid of failure, afraid of how the townspeople might react to him being around more after the show today. Afraid about the wrong people finding him. He didn’t notice Sam move until he felt the hand on his shoulder. When he looked up, she locked eyes with him and smiled: “Whatever you’re thinking, you are not alone. Not only Leah and me. A lot of people spoke up for you today.